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DETROIT 



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isTORY AND ( Commerce 



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A CAREFUL COMPILATION OF THE HISTORY, MERCANTILE AND MANUFACTURING INTERESTS 

OF DETROIT ; ILLUSTRATED WITH VIEWS OF THE CITY'S PRINCIPAL STREETS, 

POINTS OF INTEREST. PROMINENT BUILDINGS AND PORTRAITS 

OF ITS NOTED BUSINESS MEN. 




PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE MERCHANTS' AND MANUFACTURERS' EXCHANGE 
AND SANCTION OF THE DETROIT BOARD OF TRADE. 



ROGERS & THORPE, Publishers, 

DETROIT, MICH. 
I 8c) I . 



^'='- 



Entered according to Act of Concress, in the year 1891, by Rogers & Thorpe, 

IN THE office OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 



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PREFACE TO DETROIT IN HISTORY. 



'"TIME'S mutilating hand has left of the early settlements at Detroit hut few 
-'- remains. The wheels of the mighty car of progress have rolled over and 
obliterated all traces save the printed word, the sacred relic, and the inherited 
trait and name of its original founders, who, under the Fleur de Hs of France, 
landed here with Cadillac on the eventful 24th of July, 1701. 

The incidents which more particularly emphasize the history of Detroit, are 
in this work briefly recorded, the information incident thereto having been 
derived from an examination of veracious authorities. Of these, "Charlevoix's 
History of New France," " Rameau's History of the Canadian Colony in Detroit," 
"Ramsay's Life of Pontiac," and "Legends of Detroit," by Mrs. Marie C. W. 
Hamlin, bearing upon the former periods of the city's history, have been con- 
sulted. The subsequent narration has been evolved principally from official 
documents and interviews with the older inhabitants, whose reminiscences 
constitute a fitting sequel to this history, as depicted in their own language. . 

The publishers have spared no effort or expense to make it, as it is con- 
fidently believed the public will recognize it to be, the best of its kind in 
typography and illustrative essentials ever previously published. 

As a reliable source from which may be derived information concerning 
the history of the city from its nucleus as a French trading post to its culmina- 
tion into the grand commercial emporium of to-day, it will materially contribute 
to advance its interests by citing the records of the best exemplars of its 
prosperity and prominence. 

The author has, in the compilation of this history, sought only for the 
facts which, of themselves, represent the chief incidents herein narrated, and 
which are always the true foundations of accurate information. 

JAMES J. MITCHELL 
Detroit, Michigan, April 10, 1891. 



(11)1 jJa}jci 



on which this book is printed was made especiaily for it bv john 8. price & co. 
Office, 123 Jefferson Ave., Detroit. 



XI)C ]JI)OtClt\lHl})l)Li 



FROM WHICH THE MAJORITY OF THESE ENGRAVINGS WERE MADE ARE BY 

J. W. Hughes, 274 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 



WAS DONE BV THE DETROIT HERALD OF COMMERCE, 40, 42 & 44 LaRNED St. «EST. 
WAS EXECUTED BY RayNOR & TayLOH. 96, 98 &. 100 BaTES SiHEET, DETROIT. 



Detroit in History. 




■ «-» 



MONG the great cities of the United States 
which are historically prominent, as having 
atforded to the annals of that country many 
of its most thrilling incidents and important 
events, Detroit is especially worthy the 
faithful narration which its character in 
these relations essentially demands. "True 
historyshould be nolesssacredthan religion,"' 
wrote Louis Napoleon in the preface to his 
famous "Life of Julius Cresar," and the 
correct transcription from the records which 
, exist of Detroit's foundation from the f arliest 
periods, as well as the progress the city has 
made to the present time in all vital inter- 
ests, should be too much the pride and honor of the historian to be 
lightly or inaccurately touched upiiti. Justice compels an adher- 
ence to the facts, and as they havi? been handed down by the 
progenitors of those who are to-day responsible curators and 
sponsors of its commercial strength and advancing fortunes, so are 
they reprepented in this work. Detroit possesses a truly remarkable 
historj-, as well as having been among the first establishments which 
constituted ihe subsequent Northwest Territory, as being the scene 
of numerous conflicts between the red man and his more puissant 
lival and the various struggles for domination by the French, 
English and United States soldiery. The site of the present city at 
the date of the discovery of the country by Columbus in 1492, was 
an Indian hamlet or collection of wigwams, which imperfectly 
corresponded with a village as understood in tlie English language. 
Prior to the inhabitation of the American Continent b)' the stoical 
children of the forest, coming doubtless from Asia, the footprints 
and monuments of anotherand totally different race, extinct through 
some dire calamity, or from some undiscoverable cause, were left 
behind as the only traces of their jjrior occupation of the vast domain 
now the abode of more than sixty million Caucasians. This singular 
people, identified in the consideration of the earth's inhabitants as 
mound builders, from the remains of their creations still existent in 
many parts of the country, had an abode upon the location of 
Detroit, as here have been found unmistakable evidences in their 
curious mounds of earth, beneath which were entombed the various 
articles necessitated by the demands of their existence in pans and 
pots and other culinary and domestic utensils and implements of 
warfare. History and even tradition is silent upon the subject ; 
only the crude evidences that exist of these iirehistoric people, as 
giving them the claim to characterization as a nation, supplying a 
foundation. But the Indians lived and moved and had their being 
in the space now dignified by the French Ville d' Etroit (town of the 
Strait) ; and where now the intellect and grace of the white man 
direct and jjovern. the red man's war wlioop rang defiance, and the 
light of his wigwam shed its lurid gla:-e upon the scenes but slightly 
changed since the primeval morn. 

The site of the present City of Detroit was first visited by the 



French in 1610, and continued, as did the entire lake country of the 
present United States, under the rule of the French government 
until 1763. The first actual settlement by the French at Detroit was 
made by Cadillac, July 24, 1701, from which time dates its existence 
as among the important trading posts of what was designated as the 
Northwest Territory, and its initial identity as tlie foundation of the 
city. It is most appropriate in this connection to record tlie prin- 
cipal events in the life and career of Antoine Laumet de la Molhe 
Cadillac, the founder of Detroit, and whose name is appropriately 
memorialized in its streets and public buildings. This distinguished 
individual among the host of adventurers that, early in the 
eighteenth century, sought fame and fortune amid the wilds of 
America, was ushered into existence at Toulouse, capital of the 
department of the Hante-Garonne in Southern France, in 1001. His 
parents were Jean Cadillac and Jeanne Malenfant, notable person- 
ages of that district, who gave their son a liberal education, fitting 
hiui for tlie military service which he entered at the early age of 
sixteen, becoming at twenty-one, a lieutenant. Arriving at Quebec 
with the regiment in which he was commissioned, he became 
ac<iuainted with ami subsequently married Marie Therese Guyon, 
the beautiful daugliter of a prominent and rich cit'zen. He was 
soon after delegated by the French Government to gather a state- 
ment of the aiTairs of the English settlements as at that time exist- 
ing. In 1674 Cadillac received high commendation from Count 
Frontenac for valuable services by being rewarded with the command 
of Fort Buade, Micbillimackinac, which he occupied for the space 
of five years. In his various negotiations with the Indians he 
exhitiited so marked and significant a judgment and discretion as to 
be allowed by the French Government the grants of Mont Desert 
and Douaguet in the vicinity of the Pentagoet river. He strongly 
recommended Detroit as a point of vantage against the Iroquois, as 
well as affording an effectual check against the English by shutting 
them off from trade with the Indians in furs and thus preserving 
that commerce for France. These suggestions, urged with great 
force of argument, led to his being appointed to conduct an expedi- 
tion of fifty soldiers and fifty artisans and voyagetirsio fortify and 
occupy Detroit. He was accompanied by Al])lionse de Tonty, a 
relative of his wife's family, as captain, Dugue and C'harconale, 
as lieutenants, Jacob de Marsac, Sieurde L'Ommesjirou, as sergeant, 
Francois and Jean Fafard, as interjireters. Father Constantin del 
Halle, a Recollet, and Father Vaillant, a Jesuit, as chaplains. The 
expedition left the rapids of Lachine June 5th, and early in July 
reached Georgian Baj'. coming by way of the Grand River of the 
Ottawas along the east shore of Lake Huron, arriving July 20th at 
Lake St. Clair and Fort St. Joseph, which had thirteen years before 
been abandoned by Dulutb. The advance guard of the expedition, 
passing Belle Isle, came to land at the foot of the present Griswold 
street on Jul}' 24tli, 1701, and were received by the Ottawas and 
Hurons with the most extravagant demonstrations. There were at 
that time living on the site of Detroit two Frenchmen whose names 
are remembered, Pierre Roy and Francois Pelletier, as well as a 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



number of others, of whom there is no mention made in the existing 
chronicles. The next clay, July 2.")ili, formal po.ssession was taken 
and the work of building a fort begun, which Cadillac called Fort 
Pontchartrain, and which received the royal approval in July, 1703. 
July 2Cth, irni, on the second day of the occupation of Detroit, 
ground was broken for the first church west of the Alleghanies, 
which was named in honor of Saint Anne's day, Saint Anne's 
Church, to conform to the designation of July 2Cth in the church 
calendar as being the day on which tlie work of building was com- 
menced. This church still stands at the corner of Howard ar.d 
Nineteenth streets, and regular services are held therein. It has 
been rebuilt in a splendid manner and is regarded as one of the hand- 
somest and most inii>()sing in the city. Two streets. Saint Anne and 
Saint Louis, were outlined and ujion them were built barracks for 
the soldiers and rude dwellings of hewn logs. The foundations 
were thus laid of Le VUle (V Etruit, the town of the Strait, by reason 
of its location upon the river called by the French a strait, as being 
the connecting link between Lakes Erie and St. Clair. It has since 
been known as the Detroit river. 

The settlement was re-inforced from time to time by accessions 
of inhabitants from various directions, and by births, the register of 
St. Anne's Chin-ch exhibiting from 1704 to 1707 an average annual 
rate of fourteen. The first grant of land was made by Cadillac to 
Jean Fafard, who ac- 
companied the ex- 
pedition to Detroit as 
an interpreter, 
March 10th, 1707. 
This lot adjoined 
Cadillac's posses- 
sions and Fafard was 
formally invested 
with his right and 
title by "Nonxieur 
du Detroit," as Cad- 
illac was styled, in 
the presence of a 
multitude of people, 
to wlioni a transfer 
of real estate was ;i 
matter of great im- 
portance and inter- 
est. The residence 
occupied by ( 'adillac 
was on Jetferson 
avenue, near where 
now stands the old 
Cam))au liomestead, 
and was at that day 
considered some- 



,<WiW 




DETROIT IN 1830. 



thing granil and awe-ins|iiiing. A curioussuperstitiou was encouraged 
by the early inhabitants of Detroit in the shape of a "red dwarf," 
whose presence was supposed to betoken dire calamities. Some 
chronicles assert that this strange being appeared to Cadillac and 
that he, enraged at his impertinence, chastised him with a cane, and 
that the sequel was the loss of Cadillac's princely domain and his 
incarceration, through tlie intrigues and wily machinations of his 
avowed enemies, the Jesuit priests, who virulently opposed liim for 
Belling licpior to the Indians. However, the fart remains that, soon 
after this time, Cadillac, arraigned at Montreal upon specific 
charges, was forced to dispo.se of his Detroit seigniory to defray the 
expenses of his trial. He was suliseipiently a.ssigned Governor of 
Louisiana, but returning to France, died in comparative ob.'icurity 
at Castle Sarasin, leaving of his once large possessions not a rod of 
ground to his heirs. Cadillac is characterized by E. Rameau, the 
author of several works upon the French colonies in America, "as 
an intelligent and hardy adventurer, who, influenced by the situation 
of Detroit, iiroposed to cliarge himself with the construction of a 
fort and the colonization of the countr}-, if he were conceded a 
seignioral title to a domain. M. de Callieres eagerly seized the 
opportunity of nuiking a forward move without having to denian<l 
of France either men or money. The expedition was authorized. " 
To Cadillac is certaimy due the initiation of the colony at Detroit, 



and, if the designs of his enemies culminated in Ids ultimate disgrace 
and poverty, all coming ages should honor his name as the fovmder 
of one of the greatest and grandest cities of the New World. 

The settlement at Detroit from the deposition of Cadillac 
became for a century the scene of cruel war's relentless scourge, 
and the town was successively occupied by the French, English and 
Americans, until attaining the final protection of the Republic of 
the United States, it put on the impregnable armor and spread the 
banner of an uninterrupted and genuine progress. Detroit was 
almost ruined by fire in ISO.j, and its present ajjposite symbol, 
''Spei-anius mvliora rcsnrget cliieribus," upon its municipal shield, 
shows the high sjiirit of those who sprang from the hardy French 
adventurers wlio first touched upon the sliores of the magnificent 
river since dignified by the name of Detroit, and bearing ui>on its 
blue waters the moving spirit of its great progressive and commer- 
cial identity. 

Among the first marriages registered in Saint Anne's Church 
was that of Francois Fafard, otherwise known as Delorme, the 
famous interpreter, who followed Cadillac to Detroit, and Barbe 
Loisel, the relic of Francois Gautier, Sieur de la Vallee Rancee, a 
distinguished soldier of the French army, who came to his death in 
1710. De La Forest, who succeeded Cadillac, remaining at Quebec, 
the Uurons, Ottawas and the other Indian tribes, subjects of the 

French power, ab- 
sent upon expedi- 
tions of hunting, 
and the fort at De- 
troit garrisoned 
with but a few men 
under the tempor- 
ary command of Du 
Buisson, the cupid- 
ity of the English, 
for some time ex- 
cited toward the 
more advantageous 
French settlements, 
was at this juncture 
preciiiitated by the 
Fo.x Indians, who 
came under the 
direction of the 
English to capture 
Fort Pontchartrain. 
These daring child- 
ren of the forest 
daily hovered 
arnuiul the fort, 
watching an oppor- 
tunity to accom- 



-^te*-^' -^ii^f;^: 



.,-j?S^j 




plish their purpose, but so alert were Du Buisson and his faithful 
little garrison that help arrived in a large force of Hurons, 
Pottawotomies, Sacs, Illinois, Osages and Missouris, who fell upon 
the Foxes and put them to rout with great slaughter. The village 
grew apace, and in 1731 a council of the Unions, the Iroquois, the 
Ottawas and the Pottawotomies, met here iii response to the demand 
of Alplionse de Tonty, Baron de Pahnle, tlie commander of Fort 
Pontchartrain, to he;ir pronounced tlio edict that henceforth no 
more "fire water" would be sold to them. This was received with 
loud dissent, but the law of prohibition was rigidly enforced for 
some years afterward. After the terrible repulse of the Foxes by 
Du Buisson in 1713 and their defeat again in 1717, Fort Pontchar- 
train was not further assaulted until 1746, when the noted chieftain, 
Pontiac. with his people, contributed in defending it. In the six 
years from 1749 to 17't't Detroit so enlarged its iiupulalion under the 
Canadian bounty act to influence immigration that the fort was 
enlarged, to admit of better ]iiei)arations for defence against British 
and Indian incursions. About tliis time a large number of refugees 
from Nova Scotia and Lower Canada, to tscapo the continual war- 
fare between the French and English, found an asylum in Detroit. 
In 17()() Canada was Ceded by the French to the English, following 
which ciine the surrender of Detroit, November 2fltli of the same 
year, the articles of capitulation being signed by De Bellestre, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



commanilei- of Fort Pontcharti-ain, yielding Detroit to the English 
government represented by Major Robert Rogers. Detroit was now 
under British domination, but already were brewing the elements 
of a conflict tliat would fleck its once quiet and peaceful streets 
with blood. Pontiac, the famous cliief of the Ottawas, by whose 
assistance Fort Pontchartrain had been protected some years before 
fi'om the fury of hostile tribes, allies of the English, true to his 
allegiance to tlie French, tliree years after, conceived tlie daring 
plan of surprising and slaynig the garrison. His influence with his 
own tribe extended to his allies; generally to the Indians of the 
Northwest, and even to the far distant Delawares on the eastern side 
of the continent. All of these Indian tribes Were bitterly hostile to 
the English and ready to glut their vengeance upon tlieni at the 
slightest instigation. Tlie English had ever treated them with 
neglect and contemptuous disregard, while tlie French had been 
kind and generous. In tlie summer of 1761, Captain Campbell, 



following May. Tlie Indian tribes thus brought into a league 
embraced, with an insignificant few excepted, the entire Algonquin 
nation, with whom co-operated the Wyandots, tlie Senecas and 
various tribes along tlie Mississippi. With the usual taciturnity of 
their race, tlie Indians effectually disarmed suspicion, although 
several times on the eve of being detected. Notwithstanding the 
treaty of peace, signed at Paris, February 10th, 1763, by which 
France agreed to relinquisli all of her interest to the country lying 
nustward of the Mississippi river, and which it was tliought would 
appease the ire of the savages, they unremittingly continued their 
preparations for an outbreak against the English. The wily Pontiac 
hoped still for aid from the French, and when it did not come, he 
gathered his faithful band around him and iirecipitated the attack 
uixm Detroit, which was kept in a state of seige from May 8, 1763, to 
August 26, 1764, being closely invested and the scene of almost daily 
battles. Among these encounters, in which the Indians were for a 




VIEW FROM TOP OF HAMMOND BUILDING, 



commandant of the English garrison at Detroit, was notified of tlie 
recent appearance among the Wyandots of a band of Senecas, whose 
object was to incite them to surprise and murder him and his garri- 
son. Investigation discovered that this design of the Indians was 
not limited to Detroit, but was intended to include Niagara, Fort 
Pitt and other important posts. By the prompitude of Campbell in 
warning the commanders of the proposed attack, the plan of the 
Indians was abandoned. In 1763, during the summer, a project of 
like import was discovered and rendered abortive, but toward the 
end of the same year, Pontiac sent out his emissaries to the various 
tribes hostile to the English, urging them to war. Everywhere they 
were received with great favor and without a dissenting voice. The 
general verdict was to "dig up the hatchet" and fall upon the Eng- 
lish, to drive them from the lands that had been wrested from them 
and which their propliets had predicted would be restored to them. 
It was understood that the decisive steps would be taken in the 



time the victors, the sanguinary battle of "Bloody Run." fought 
July 31, 1763, was most disastrous to the English the casualties 
being, in killed, eighteen men, counting Captain Dalzell, the com- 
mandant of Fort Pontchartrain, three prisoners and thirty-eight 
wounded. The only relict of the scene of tliis encounter is the A'st 
decaying trunk of a whitewood tree still to be seen in the grounds 
upon which are located the present Michigan Stove Works, the little 
stream, which was long afterward knownas "Bloody Run," being 
lost amid the footsteps of progress. 

Reinforcements brought by Colonel Bradstreet in August, 1764. 
repelled the Indians, and in the following year peace was established 
by a treaty with Pontiac, Captain George Croghan acting for the 
English. The various dissensions and troubles growing out of the 
numerous conflicts with the Indians and the English occupancy 
conspired to drive away from Detroit many of its original inhabi- 
tants, or their progeny, so that the population at the time of the 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



peace of 1764 had been greatly reduced. In the succeeding years, 
however, accessions of inhabitants from Canada and the States were 
constantly made until the close of the American Kevolution in 1783, 
when Detroit came into ijossession of the United States, but only 
nominally, the virtual year of control by the American government 
being 17i»«. Michigan continued as a part of the Northwest TeiTi- 
torv from 17h7, under the governorship of General St. Clair, and from 
1803 was included in the Indiana Territory, becoming, in 1805, the 
Tciiitciry of Michigan, of which Hull was governor, who, as com- 
manilant of Detroit in the war of 1K12, yielded it to the EngUsh on 
the l.^th of August of that year. On September 2i)th, 1813. Detroit 
was re-cai>tured by the American forces under Col. McArthur, and 
the gi)vernment of the Territory of Michigan was vested in Col. 
Lewis Cass from 1813 to 1831, under which it greatly improved in 
the relations of treaties with the Indians, the building of roadways, 
and in many other directions for sesuring its admission as a state 
into the Union. Anthony Waynes victory over the Indians in 
August, 1794, it should be stated, gave the United States its first 
actual control over Detroit and the adjacent country. The old 
Detroit and its French associations were almost obliterated by the 
fire of IHWJ ; however, even to the present day, is preserved by the 
descendants of tho.«e who were its first founders, much of the pristine 
significance conferred by the colonists who, under Cadillac and his 
successors under the 
crown of France, 
gave it a name, and 
the nucleus from 
which has spiung 
the gran<l city of to- 
day. To the original 
hardy settlers, the 
progenitors of many 
of the prominent 
families of the pres- 
ent, who have been 
largely instrumental 
in enhancing the 
fortunes of the city, 
nnich credit is due 
and tliey shoidd not 
be igMore<l amid the 
march t>f lime and 
its relentless decrees. 
Emerging from the 
devasting wars and 
the great fire, Detroit 
began to take its 
place among the risi 
ing cities of the Unit- 

ed States, as one of woodward avent 

the more remarkable of %\hich it holds consi)icuous po.sition and a 
commercial iiniiortanco exceeded by but few in the country. To 
tra<'e its onward moves from tlie period of its restoration as a part 
of the United States becomes now the province of this work. Dating 
from the period when it became actually ceded to the United States 
by the treaty of 1783, Detroit began to assume, from its favorable 
geographical position, an important consideration as a mart of 
traffic and one of the leading commercial emporiums on the great 
lakes. Here were undertaken great enterprises, and of such a char- 
acter as to invest the city with the strotigest claims to prominence 
as containing the elements of enterprise and progress. Having 
passed, but not unscathed, througli the ]ierils of its colonization by 
the French, through the disasters of Indian invasion and British 
occupancy; through Iiorrible ma.ssacre and devastating conllagra- 
tion, Detroit emerged from its trials witli the seal of progress 
stamped upon it, which it has since well and wortluly borne. 
No cily of the United States, perhaps, possesses more of the elements 
of romance and none can furnish a history more replete with 
thrilling incidents. The Michigan Territory was wrested from 
British control by Perry's victory over the British fleet in Lake Erie 
Septendier 10th, 1813. Detroit was soon afterwards restored to the 
United States and a body tif Kiiilucky troops garrisoned Fort Pont- 
chartrain, which thenceforward became Fort Shelby, ia honor of 



Governor Shelby who commanded them, which name itretained until 
torn dov. n by the encroachments of the city's progress. Its tite will 
be oc-cupii'd by tlie si)lendid government building now in process of 
erection. Detroit skuvly increased in population, the records show- 
ing in 1827, 2,1.'J3 inhabitants; in 1S37, 8.273, and in 18."j2, 26,648. 
From this period it advanced rapidly in this regard, the census of 
18.80 giving it a population of ll.'j,006, which in 1890 liad increased 
to considerably above 200.000. Michigan under its territorial 
government began to awaken from its lethargy and to assume the 
direction and control of its resources, which were toeventuale in 
making a state distinguished for the enterprise and progress of its 
people. Immigration from the earlier settled East, hithertoretarded, 
now began to pour in. Lake navigation, inaugurated in 1819 by the 
first steamboat, the " Walk-in-the- Water." furnished an impetus to 
l)rogres3 and a vehicle of traffic since so abundantly realized, and 
which has been so prolific a source of industry and general com- 
merce. Detroit shared so abundantly in these elements of advance- 
ment as to have been constituted an important shipping port. In 
1819 the city is said to have had two hundred and fifty houses and a 
population of about fourteen hundred, irrespective of its military in 
garrison. Detroit, by its earlier chroniclers, is said to be imder a 
heavy l<iad of (U'l)t to Augustus B. Woodward, Chief Justice of the 
Michigan Territory, who contrived its intricate divisions, its spacious 

narks, its circus, its 

campus viurtius, its 

^ tortuous streets, its 

boulevards and its 
many and diverse 
peculiarities, few 
vestiges of which 
are, however, at the 
present day e.xistent, 
except in the mem- 
ory of tiie oldest in- 
habitants. To this 
eccentric individual 
is credited the fram- 
ing of the bill creat- 
in;; the University of 
Michigan, wliicli was 
pas^ed by the gov- 
ernor and judges of 
theTerritoryinl817, 
and which charac- 
terized that famous 
institution as the 
(,'a tholepes t e m i a d. 
Under this law the 
University of Michi- 
gan was empowered 




E ; LOOKING NORTH. 
to have thirteen didaxia or professional chairs, with such endow- 
ments as would seciu'o the establishment of a liberal education. 

Tlie tides of population now jjouring over the Michigan Territory 
soon created the vdlages of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pontiae, Jackson 
and Tecumseli. Governor Cass was fully sensible of the duties 
incumbent upon his position, and his whole term of office was 
signalized V)y unremitting energies directed to the improvement and 
utilization of internal resources and the establishment of recijjrocal 
and beneficial commercial relations. The great lakes afl"orded the 
most potential auxiliaries of trade, and Detroit was the cynosure to 
which were directed the eyes of the more thickly pojndated and 
more prosperous East, from which direction came many of the 
founders of its sidjseipient enterprise and progress. In 1S31, George 
B. Porter succeeded GcneraK 'ass, who hail been created United States 
Secretary of War, as Govt rnorot the Michigan Territory, the jxipula- 
tion of which at this juncture was represented at yo.linO. The act 
admitting M ich igan into the Union as a State was passed Januar.v 26th, 
1837, with Stevens T. Mason.'a native of Virginia, as Governor of the 
State under the elective sj stem. During this administration an appro- 
l)riation of $100,000 was made, to establish a central route from 
Detroit to the mouth of the St. Jose])h, and at about this period an act 
of the legislature was passed, grant ing franchises to the roads bet ween 
Detroit and Shiawasse and Gibraltar and Clinton. Under the 



DETROIT IN H1ST(3RY AND COMMERCE. 



succeeding gubernatorial administration of William Woodbridge 
from January, 1840, to February, 1851. when he became United 
States Senator and was succeeded by J. Wright Gordon, lieutenant 
governor, the raihoad from Detroit to Ann Arbor was finished. 
The population of Detroit at this time was estimated at 9,101. 

In 1846 tlie tonnage of vessels at the port of Detroit was 26,928 
tons, 8.400 of steam vessel and 18,537 of sail vessel tonnage giving 
employment to 18,000 persons. March 1st, 1848, the first telegraph 
communication was established between Detroit and New York and 
the first message was flaslied over the wires the same day. Detroit 
continued the Capital of the State, as it had been of the Territorial 
government, until 1845, when by act of the legislature it was 
removed to Lansing. As the most important shipping station on 
the lakes and as possessing the most superior facilities, Detroit began 
from this period to assert its commercial supremacy and to acquire 
the trade of its naturally tributary territory. Large manufacturing 
ventures were undertaken and successfully prosecuted. Great 
improvements were projected and large fortunes realized. The 
"City of the Strait" began to attract the attention of the outside 
world and to bring into its trade the elements of its future progress 
and identity as one of the leading markets of tlie cmmtry. Emerg- 
ing from the disastrous conflagration of 1805, the motto thence- 
forward gracing its municipal shield, "Meliora speramus cineribus 
resurget" has been 
fuUy verified in the 
change from its 
former unsightly 
and bizarre aspect to 
itsi^resent grand and 
majestic outlines. 
This purgation, 
though destructive 
of old land-marks 
and the occasion of 
much temporary dis- 
tress, brouglit about 
the changes which 
have made Detroit 
tlie splendid city of 
to-day, with its parks 
and drives, its boule- 
vards, its palatial 
homes, its arbores- 
cent beauty, and its 
merited identity of 
prominence and dis- 
tinction in manufac- 
tures and general in- 
dustries. The visitor 
is agreeably im- 
pressed with the city's well-shaded streets and the general air of 
thrift and prosperity that marks its business thoroughfares and the 
districts in which reside its opulent and public-spirited citizens. 
Detroit scarcely comports witii the typical Western city ; on the 
contrary it bears a striking resemblance to a New England model, 
the larger per cent, of its people having sprung from the hardy 
scions of the land of the " Pilgrim Fathers." It has, considered as 
a large city, a much smaller number of inhabitants of foreign birth 
than any other American city. Judging from tlie country's great 
and rapid increase in population, Detroit will, in a few years, reacli 
tho central point in the relation of the countrj^'s more important 
cities, as premising from the last returns of tlie census (1890), it must 
be in a few years regarded as near the centre of iJO[)ulation. While 
not possessing the metropolitan characteristics of New York, Pliila- 
delphia, Baltimore, Boston and other cities entitled to such a dis- 
tinction, Detroit may truly be styled in the category of the more 
prominent and important municipalities of the United States as 
exhibiting a condition, not only promotive of the most captivating 
sensations, but as well indicative of the strongest claims to com- 
mercial supremacy. In tracing tlie progress of Detroit from its 
rude beginning as a French trading post in 1701 to the present time 
as one of the most important and magnificent cities of the United 
States, tlie principal incidents of its history have been briefly intro- 




GRISWOLD STREET. 



duced and will serve to show the tireless enterprise and indomiiable 
ambition of its founders, the hardy pilgrims from the East and the 
adventurers across the Atlantic who early cast in their lots with its 
imperfectly foreshadowed fortunes In the merchants and manu- 
facturers of to-day, a record of whose lives and business experiences 
embellish the succeeding pages of this work, Detroit has had its 
secure foundation and grand identity. In 1884 the value of real 
estate and personal property in Detroit was $110,731,955, which had, 
in 1889, increased to $14:5,993,438, and iu 1890, considering tlie value 
over assessed estimate as almost double, it approximates $300,000,000. 
The rate of taxation is $14.29 per $1,000. With these facts in view 
it may truly be declared that no city of equal size in the United 
States can compare with Detroit in wealth, degree of prosperity and 
low tax rate. In the relation of eilucation and the facilities for its 
thorough acquisition Detroit takes a notably high rank. Its public 
school system is not excelled by any in the country in point of 
endowment and methods of instruction. The school-buildings are 
of admirable construction and afford every requisite acconimotlation 
for the comfort and convenience of pupils. The number of the 
school-buildings is fifty-one, principally the yiroperty of the city, 
with a seating capacity of 19.971, and 438 teachers. The value of 
these structures owned by the city is $1,500,000. The children 
eligible to instruction numbered in 1889, 63,009, against 65,133 in 

1888. The assess- 
ment for 1890 was in 
excess of that of 
1888. The public 
library building is 
one of the hand- 
somest in architec- 
tural style and finish 
in the city and was 
constructed especi- 
ally for the accom- 
modation of library 
requisites. It was 
formally opened to 
tho public January 
22d, 1877. With the 
additions of a read- 
ing-room, museum 
and offices, in 1885, 
the aggregate cost 
was nearly $100,000. 
It contains 90,000 
bound volumes and 
more than 10,000 
pamphlets. The 
hours of admission 
are from 9 A. M. to 
9 P. M., every day with the exception of Sundays and holidays. It 
is a free institution, and any citizen of Detroit above fourteen 
years of age may, upon subscribing to an obligation to obey the 
rules and regulations therein set forth and giving satisfactory 
securit}', in the written pledge of a responsible person, secure a 
card which entitles the holder to i-eceive books for reading at home, 
but any person, citizen or stranger, may use the books in the reading- 
room of the library upon a request in prescribed form. The reading- 
room, open daily from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M., and from 2 to 9 P. M. on 
Sundays and holidays, is Jree to all persons desiring to avnil tliem- 
selves of its privileges. The leading newspapers and magazines are 
kept on file and are supplied upon request, also various scientific, 
religious and literary publications in English, French, German and 
other languages. Tlie building contains a well ordered museum, 
free to visitors every day from 3 to 5 p. M. The Public Library is a 
prolific source of instruction, especially to the pupils of the public 
schools, who, by a diligent course of reading in proper directions, 
can thus greatly facilitate the acquisition of a literary education. 
In the order of population Detroit is the fifteenth of the cities of 
the United States, as indicated by the census of 1890, a position it 
has attained since 1880 when it was reckoned tlie eighteenth. The 
official boards of the city, represented in the Boards of Education 
and Estimate?, are composed of members elected by the people from 



lO 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



the several wards. Tlio Jlotropolitan Police Comiuissioncrs are of 
appointment by the Governor of llie State, and tlie Public Li'jrary 
Commissioners by the Board of Education. The Boards of Fire, 
Water, Park and Boulevard, Poor, Building Inspectors and Insiiec- 
tors of the House of Correction, as included in the Boards of Public 
Works, are of appointment by the JIayor and approved by tlie City 
Council. What is terniecl a " Municipal Improvement As-sociation." 
organized for the ])urpose of jiurchasing and controlling electric 
light or other illuminating facilities, the street raihvay .systems and 
other auxiliaries for the use of the municipal government, is of 
recent establishment, and will doubtless prove of great benefit in 
the direction cited in its constitution. Adequate police protection is 
afforde<l under the maintenance of an efficient corps of the custodians 
of the jieace. 

The water supply, of a character and quality unsurpassed else- 
where ill the country, is i)racticably inexhaustible. The water 
system is furnished with :iC>7 miles of pipes, connecting with two 
principal mains from the pumping station, and atlording wlien 



selves amid its sylvan glades, through which run canals of pellucid 
water bearing upon its bosom a multitude of boats, laden with their 
argosy of laughing lassies and their sturdy gallants who ply the oars. 
Nature has here, aided by art in varied attractions, established a 
respite from labor and the cares of business, and is a source of 
recreation eagerly accejited by the throngs of visitors who during 
the heat of summer have thrown around them its charms of wood- 
land and water scenery. 

The history of the civil war recounts the valor of Detroit's 
soldier}-, perpetuated in an imposing monument on its Campus 
Martins, where also stands a fountain donated by the late John J. 
Bagley, and a bronze statue of that eminent citizen, a gift to the 
city from a popular subscription. 

The City Hall, a large and imposing structure, fronts upon the 
Campus Martins with entrances on CJriswold and Fort streets and 
Michigan avenue. In the lawn in front are two of the cannon 
captured in Perry's victory on Lake Erie, interesting souvenirs of 
that great historic event culminating in the restoration of Detroit to 




I'LBLIl' LIUKAKV. 



required a daily supply of 20,000,000 gallons, although as large a 
quantity as .'il, 000,000 gallons have been pumped tlirough the con- 
duits. The value of the city water works property in January, 
1800, was represented by $;i,4U),910, to which, in 1801, £.t least $:!00,- 
000 in improvements has been added. Detroit justly ranks with the 
larger metropolitan cities of the United States in its excellent equiii- 
ment t)f municipal accessories, and presents in its government the 
most eflicient and the most salutary administration. 

Or.e of the most interesting of tlie many and varied ])oints of 
attraction in and around the city is llie grand natural park of Belle 
Isle. It is located near tlio source of tlic Detroit river and, as its 
name imiilies, is an isl nd. It embraces 070 acres and is the property 
of the city, having been i>urcliased by it in 1S79 for $300,000. The 
improvements since made thereon and the cost of its conduct aggre- 
gate $300,000, exclusive of the bridge by which it is connected with 
the main land and which cost $:!00,000. Belle Isle commands in 
summer a daily resort for many thousands of people, and is especi- 
ally the delight of the children, who romp and heartily enjoy tliem- 



the United States. The City Hall is surmounted by a tower from 
whicli a fine view of the city, the river and the Canadian hamlets 
opposite can be obtained. 

The press of Detroit, elsewhere treated of in this work, has able 
representatives, and notably in the Detroit Free Press, tlie Tribune, 
niorning dailies, and the Evcuiiiij yewx, Journal, Sun and Times, of 
afternoon issue, and all except the Journal and Times liaving 
Sunday editions. 

Detroit is i)roininent among tlie great cities of the United States 
as having, for its size, the hirgi'st luuiiber of iiiillioiuiires, who have 
generally greatly cuntributed lo the city's endowment of capital in 
iiuiiierous enterprises. 

The new government building, now in process of erection on the 
site of old Fort Shelby, corner of Fort and Shelby streets, will be 
when completed one of the most magnificent structures of the kind 
in the country. 

The Detroit Museum of Art, thrown open to the public Septem- 
ber 1, 1887, is a splendid building of the Gothic order of architecture. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



1 1 



and cost |I56,385.44, The repository of tlie fine art lias receiitlj' been 
enriched by donations of rare and costly paintings by Mr. James E. 
Scripps and a large collection of Japanese curios and works of art 
by Mr. Frederick Stearns, gentlemen intimately associated with 
Detroit's greater enterprises. 

This liistory cannot more appropriately be concluded than by 
the statement that the trust expressed in the motto gracing the 
city's municipal shield "let us hope that better things will arise 
from the ashes," has in its present identity been abundantly verified- 



Reminisences of Jacob S. Farrand. 

A few weeks before his death the late Jacob S. Farrand gave 
the following narrative to the publishers of this book. It is printed 
verbatum, in his own peculiar style. The sketch of the life of Mr. 
Farrand may be found in connection with the history of the drug 
firm of Farrand. Williams & Clark :^ 



were given where we desired to pay men, and all that. The pay. 
ment of men was done in those days very largely with orders." 
"Were not payments made very often in furs?" 
"Of course there were dealei's in furs at that time, but it was 
not everybody that dealt in furs. James Abbott was the agent of 
the American Fur Company here and there were others that dealt in 
furs, but if anyone came in who wanted to sell you furs they were 
referred to some fur dealer because the common dealer would not 
know what the furs were worth." 

" What was the population of Detroit at that time?" 
"When I came here it was about 1,500; in 1830 tlie N.ational 
Census made it 2,223, 1 think. The location of tlie town was princi- 
pally down by the river. Our store was on Jefferson avenue, next 
to the corner where Burnham, Stoepel & Company are now. It was 
a little building next to the corner. At that time the river bank 
vras up this way further than it is now somewhat ; Atwater street 
was at the w.ater at that time ; that was the river front then. The 



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Bf J^: flEi i^f^i p \m^ 






IR.I 



J. L. HUDSON'S MAMMOTH STORE. 



"I was brought here by my father with the rest of the family 
in May, 1825, on the oid steamer Superior, the only steamer then on 
the lakes anywhere. That was in the early days of steam-ship 
movements. My first business venture was made February 5th, 
1830, when I entered the drug store of Rice & Bingham, as clerk, in 
my fifteenth year, and I have been continuously identified with the 
drug trade ever since."' 

"Tell lis something of your methods of conducting business in 
those early days." 

"Well — Dr. Justin Rice — I don't know the time he came here, 
but Edward Bingham came from Hudson, New York, in the year 
1838, and the firm was Rice & Bingham from 1828 onward. I 
entered their store as a clerk in February, 18.30. The day I was 
twenty years old I was made a partner of Mr. Bingham. At that 
time we did not have as mvich money in circulation as we have 
now. We had mighty little money then. We began keeping our 
accounts from January to January and settled once a year. Orders 



market was right in the middle of Woodward avenue, facing Jeffer- 
son — toward the river. The market was an open market where the 
French people from Canada and from our side came and sold their 
apples and pears and produce. Beef was sold there also, cut up in 
stalls. The whipping post was in front of the market." 

"Did you ever see a man whipped there?" 

"I remember the sheriff whipped a man there, but I didn't see 
that done. I forget what offence he had committed, but such 
offenders were whipped for misdemeanors such as we would put 
them in prison for for twenty or forty days now. Business was 
done in general stores then different from what it is now. All the 
drug stores sold groceries as well as drugs. The drug store of 
Chapin & Owen was in the block below us and they sold groceries, 
and Hinchman & Company, their successors, sell groceries yet. We 
kept groceries until way along in 1865 or 1866. There was no whole- 
sale business done at that time and no manufacturing to speak of. 
The Bank of Michigan, where the First National Bank now is, was 



12 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



at that time located at the corner of Jeflferson avenue and Randolpli 
street, ami that building— the First National Bank Building— was 
built by the Bank of Jlichigan, out of wild cat money in 1837 or 
1838. That is one of the oldest landmarks left. The first manufac- 
turing was introduced here much latter tlian that. I think Chai)in 
& Owen did the leading busine-^s in the drug line at that time. We 
had very little trade witli the Indians in those days. Wo bought 
our goods in New York, and brought them up here by canal antl 
lake. We went to New York once a year to buy goods ; sometimes 
twice. Of course it took a good while to go down and buy and get 
the goods bai-k again by canal. The Erie canal was not opened 
until late in IHi,'! or 1826, and goods had to be teamed through from 
Albany to Buffalo, 
and it took some 
three months for 
them to get goods 
up here. Collect- 
ing bills was quite 
as disagreeable in 
those days as it is 
at present. Levi 
Cook, a leading dry 
g<x)ds dealer on Jef- 
ferson avenue, had 
a way of doing it 
])eculiar " to him- 
self. In the spring 
when he started 
offforNewYork,he 
left a list of the ac- 
counts wliich had 
not been paid and 
told his clerks to 
sue tht mill his ab- 
sence. By tlie time 
his new goods got 
here nil was for- 
gotten ; they were 
all good frieiidn 
again; his old del)ts 
I'.ad been collected 
nnd lie saved him- 
self the annoyance 
)f it and retained 
his trade. Tlia 
was the way he 
collected his debts; 
the boys took all 
the scolding an<l it 
was all over when 
he got home. 

Proiierty w a s 
soUl by the acre 
heri' in those days 
and it «as very 
cheap. This house 
we are now sitting 
in was away out in 
the woods." [Jlr. 
Far rand's resi- 
dence 4i)7 Wood- 
ward avenue. — 
E<1.] " Why, that lot where Newcomb & Endicott are, when I was 
in the Common Council I had to look up some titles there and we 
had (juite a time about it. The lot was given to one of tlio men who 
lost his house and lot when everything was obliterated and there 
were no records here, and one of those lots on whicli the building 
stands which is now oceujiied by Newcomb, Endicott & Company, 
w^as sold for ten dollars, and those lots where Mr. Sbeley's three 
stores are, between Newcoinli, Endicott it t'oini)any*s and Slate street, 
Mr. Slieley brought — sixty feet front, running back to tlio alley — of 
a man who went to Wisconsin, and paid him only twelve hundred 
dollars for it, with the idea tliat I was to have half of it that I might 



build a hotise on it. I was living in Mr. Sheley's house at that time 
on the lot since occupied b\ the old church whicli has just been torn 
down. But I could not raise the money to make the payment of six 
hundred dollars until the property was wurlh more, and so I never 
took it, for it came to be worth a gre it deal more than that. But he 
bought that property for twelve hundred dollars and built his house 
on it and lived there till he went up to his present residence on 
Stimpson Place. I guess that transaction was as late as 1841." 

"Can you tell when the jobliing business began here — the 
wholesale business in any line of trade?" 

'•Zach Chandler came here in 1833, and wlien he got up to the 
amount of fifty thousand dollars a year it was considered a most 

ex t raordinarj- 
thing and was 
talked of over the 
whole town. That 
was in the whole- 
sale d r V goods busi- 
ness wnicn includ- 
ed carpets and 
such things. Yes, 
fifty thousand dol- 
la rs was considt red 
an enormous busi- 
ness and he didn't 
get his business 
worked up to that 
amount before 
1Sr,0. He was the 
most successful 
merchant here dur- 
tlie time lie was in 
business." 

"Did he have 
drummers — ho w 
did he sell his 
goods tlirou;;h-out 
the country?" 

"He did most of 
the drumming 
himself. Ho would 
get onto his horse 
and go oil to the 
country selling 
goods and leave 
his clerks homo to 
run the busiiK'ssin 
his absence. Zach 
Chandler was 
about the first man 
who went out from 
Detroit. He would 
go to I'ontiac and 
Flint, Ypsilanti, 
JIarshall and Kala- 
mazoo on horse- 
back. They were 
little jilaces to be 
sure. Th.re were 
no railroads in the 
early days of busi- 
ness here in Detroit 
and the roads were simply awful. All the business of the city was 
located on Jefferson avenue, which was the main street. The old 
American Fur Company was down where II. P. Baldwin 2nd's store 
is now. Baldwin and Chandler went down there and bought the old 
Abbott property James Abbott was agent of the Fur Company, and 
Post Master here at one time. After Jackson got to be President, 
AblKitt was removed." 

'• What was the method of getting the mail ? " 
'Well, when my father came here in the fall of 1824, he took a 
contract for furnishing Dc;troit with water. He walked around 
Lake Erie, came up through Ohio, and went back through Canada, 




YOUNU MEN S CHKISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



13 



The mail was brought through the Black Swamp in Ohio, on a man's 
back. My father kept in sight of that man to find his way to 
Toledo and walked all the way. There were two steamers on the 
Lake in 1834. 'Walk-in-the- water' was lost in 1814, down near 
Buffalo in a storm. Of course the Superior then brought the mail 
bv tlie same route. She would make two trips a week from here to 
Buffalo and we got our mail twice a week from the East. In the 
winter it came around by stage, through Ohio. I don't know how 
soon it came by stage ; I can't recollect that ; but, of course, the 
mails were pretty scarce here and pretty old when they got here. 
When they came in everybody flocked to the post office, the drivers 
of the mail coaches tooting their horns and having a great time. 
The mails from the west came on horseback. I carried the mail 
myself from Ann Arbor to Detroit in 1837 and 1828." 

"Whom do you think has been the most valuable man in the 
days gone by, to the commerce of Detroit?'' 

"Now that is a pretty liard question, but I can answer some of 
it. From 183.5 onward Oliver Newberry was tlie largest owner of 
vessels for years and years. Old Admiral Newberry, he was called. 
He had more vessels here than any other man or than any firm, and 




there were more vessels registered in Detroit tliau in Buffalo for 
3'ears — at least it was said so, and I guess it was so. One trip was 
made from here that I must tell you about. I can't tell you the 
year it was, but word came down here after the vessels were laid up 
that the people would starve before spring on the Island of Macki- 
naw and there was an appeal made to Newberry and his sailors to 
see if they wcjuld not go up there in December to take these people 
some pork and flour for the winter. Augustus McKinstry and Bob 
Wagstaff said they would go if they could get the sailors. Newberry 
said that he would let them have a vessel. Of course, there could 
not be any insurance. They got a crew and they took the sails out 
of Newbei-ij-'s warehouse, tumbled in the freight very fast one day, 
and went up the river, being towed by a little river steamer into 
Lake Huron, and they went to Mackinaw between Christmas and 
New Years, and returned, I think, on the seventh day, having had a 
successful trip, delivered their freight and laid the vessel up again. 
I think that was one of the most valliant things ever done. 
Wagstaff's son is up here on Lake Huron somewheres, in one of the 
life saving crews ; I saw him last spring just before he started off. 
I think that was a wonderful trip." 



"Then you think Newberry was more important to the com- 
merce of Detroit than any man of recent date ? " 

" In proportion, I do ; he was the founder of the shipping inter- 
ests of Detroit. He was an uncle of John S. Newberry and a brother 
of Henry Newberry, who went to Chicago when Chicago began to 
loom up and who kept a dry goods store here, just wliere the First 
National Bank is, and he went to Chicago and made enough money 
to be able to leave that city two or three million dollars for the 
Librarj' tliat we have heard about lately. I can remember when 
business was entirely confined to Jefferson avenue, and when it was 
considered a wonderful thing and very presumptions for a man to 
move liis business from the avenue. Old Robert Smart leased 
Charles Merrill that corner which is now called the Merrill Block, 
and then it was built out to Larned street. That was about the first 
break that was made out Woodward avenue. Then, on the 10th of 
January, 18.54, the old First Presbyterian Church burned down. It 
was located corner of Larned and Woodward avenue. My store at 
that timj was just north of it. Our store was built in 1853, and 
Holmes & Company had a double store north of mine. Holmes had 
the largest dry goods store in this city then. That was in 1853 and 
about the time when the first business venture was made up Wood- 
ward avenue. The depot of the Michigan Central Railroad Com- 
pany was where the city hall is now, and the Michigan Central 
Railroad ran in along Michigan avenue to the depot. My wife went 
to school where the City Hall now stands, in 1838, in an old yellow 
brick house — a young ladies' seminary — facing on Gr'swold street. 
The depot was built in 1838 or 1839 I think the road was finished to 
Ypsilanti that winter. At that time the present location of the City 
Hall was about the most northerly part of the town. In fact there 
was nothing up as far as the depot, where the city hall stands, and 
there was absolutely nothing in the way of population beyond that 
point. Henry H. Leroy's house, corner of Grand Circus Park, wa^ 
not built until long after that. In 1830 the City of Detroit lay 
mainly between Larned street and the river, I might say almost 
entirely. The old Mansion house, standing about where Cass street 
is, was about the most western limit of the city. Below that was 
General Cass' house and farm, and just below that was Colonel 
Jones' house ; but the city as a city, extended only down to about 
Cass street and vip the river as far as Brush. This was then the 
Capital of the Territory of Michigan and the present High School 
Building was the old Capitol Building. It is practically the same 
building ; just altered a little. Oh, yes ; I have been up there and 
heard big speakers in days gone by. General Cass died in 1866 ; he 
was then eighty-three years old. He was at Hull's surrender, when, 
you remember, he broke his sword rather than give it up. Old 
Major Rowland had a Company of Ohio troops and was coming up 
here to join the army ; he was down near Monroe and was surren- 
dered on paper by Hull, as a part of the army, and the old Major 
said to the raeosengers who carried the suirender, ' Hull can't sur- 
render me down here,' and made them prisoners and marched back 
with his company and the messengers as prisoners into Ohio '' 

"There was considerable excitement in Detroit at the time of 
the English invasion, wasn't tliere?" 

"I was not here then ; that was before my time. Yes, that was 
ten years before my time, for that was in 1812 or 1813 or 1814. I 
believe the treaty of peace was in January, 1815. General Cass, 
Degarmo Jones and Colonel Brooks were at the battle of the Thames 
when Harrison went over there and fought that battle. The officers 
of the army stationed here pt that time, used to have jjrivate theat- 
ricals and all that sort of tilings. It was one of the most social 
towns that I ever knew of, or had any knowledge of personally, or 
ever heard of. They lived i>retty much all by themselves all winter.' 

"Was there any caste?" 

" Oh, yes ; to some extent ; but they were a social people. The 
old French peojile were a social people, and those old inhabitants 
and the members of the army mingled with each other ; and there 
were well-to-do merchants here who owned the ground tliey lived 
on and the farms they lived on, running back three miles, and some 
were five ai'poiits frontage, some three ; some more and some less. 
A French arpont is not quite as much as one of our acres. General 
Cass' farm was seven arponts : Colonel Jones', five, and they varied 
considerable in their frontage but they all ran back about three 
miles. There were no carriages here in those days; people rode' 



14 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



around in ordinary French two-wheeled carts, just such as they 
carried on their busini-ss with, for there were no drays. We put 
some liiiy in the bottom and a. buffalo roho on tliat and rode every- 
wliere in them, except in llie winter, when we used oUl Frencli 
sleiglis. Those old carryalls were very nice and handy. I can 
remember seeing those French carts l)acked up to tlie church as we 
came out — ten or fifteen of them standing there. They were much 
easier to get in and out of than tlio carriages of to-daj-. Everybody 
rode in them ; they could be unliooked and dumped like a coal cart. 
Mrs. Governor Porter was unhooked and dumped out once in front 
of the First National 
Bank. They wero 
just like these coal 
dump carts and had 
no springs. It was 
very muddy in those 
days. Speaking of 
muddy streets re- 
minds me that the 
first paving in De- 
troit was done on 
Jefferson avenue, 
not so many years 
ago. It was made 
of blocks of wood 
put down by Jlr. 
Eldridge, near the 
corner of Wood- 
ward and Jefferson 
avenues,and extend- 
ed about half a 
block. lie wanted 
to show ho w it cou Id 
be done. He used 
large blocks about 
a foot deep and they 
lay there for years. 
There were plank 
roads up Woodward 
avenue when this 
house was built — in 
1854 and 1855 and 
we rode on the plank 
roads in our rock- 
away for a good 
while. We moved 
into this house in 
1855, so, you see, it 
is one of the oldest 
houses in this city. 
There were plank 
roads built when 
General Cass came 
back from beiiiK 
Minister to France. 
Mr. Ledyavd, his 
son-in-law, took hold 
of the business and 
tried to get roads 
out into the country . 
General Cass came 
back liere in 1841, I 
think, though it 
might have been 
somewhat earlier 

than that. Mr. Le<lyard gave an impetus to the road and 
got up these i)lank road companies and put roads out in various 
directions ; the Pontii'C road, the Jlichigan avenue road, the Gr.ind 
River road and others. There was toll cliarged on these roads then 
as tliero is yet." 

"What was the first inannfactnring done of any account here 
in Detroit, Mr. FarrandV" 

Lumber was the first thing mamifactured here, Detroit used 
to be quite a lumber market. Outside of lumber, boots and shoes 




BUSINESS UNIVERSITY BUILDINO. 



thev 



were among the first things made here. A. C. McGraw and H. P. 
Baldwin were the first manufacturers and dealers in boots and 
shoes, and the Buhls manufactured and sold hats and were large 
dealers in furs. Lumber was sawed hero before I came. Sawing 
lumber in those days was a verj- primitive affair, one cut at a time. 
Shipping timber was sawed hy liaml, mostly long pieces. The first 
shoe manufactory waa started in 1833 and I think by Jlr. McGraw. 
The fire of 1805 destroyed the whole town. Tlie block bounded by 
Jefferson, Woodward, Griswold and Woodbridge streets was burned 
off on the night of the first of January 1843. It was all covered 

with stores and 
dwelling houses. In 
1830 the Mansion 
was the leading 
hotel here ; the old 
American Hotel 
where the Biddle 
House now stands 
was Hull's head- 
quarters and that is 
theoldest hotel here. 
The National Hotel, 
where the Russell 
House HOW stands 
was an old hotel 
also. From Second 
street west, down 
toward the river is 
nearly all made 
ground. The i)eo- 
ple here in the 
earlier days of De- 
troit went along just 
about as the)' were ; 
men in business 
lived along in a con- 
servative sort of a 
way one year and 
another, deToid of 
any aristocracy. All 
the old inhabitants 
were peoi)le of a 
social nature invit- 
ing to each others 
houses and lived 
along in an enjoy- 
able way. There 
was never any par- 
ticular move made 
in the progress of 
tlie citj- until about 
1832 when General 
Cass sold his river 
front. The old 
French church used 
to front on Larned 
street. The old 
Bishop was at one 
time a member of 
Congress and a 
pretty good sort of a 
man, too. You 
know the Governor 
and Judges used to 
rule this whole ter- 
ritory then ; there were a few mei in the legislative council and 
they used to ask Bishop Richard to come up and open council with 
prayer, and the old Bishop one morning in praying that the Lord 
would bless them in their legislative acts, said ; " Oh, Lord, put it 
into their hearts to make some laws for the peeps (people) as well 
as for themselves." The First Presbyterian Cluzrch was the first 
])rotestant society in tlio city. It was organized as a Presbyterian 
church in 1825. When it was organized as a. Presbyterian church 
those who were Episcopalian in their tendency biult a church 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



15 




THEODORE H. HINCHMAN. 

in that block we occupied, so that the two churches were in the 
same block between Larned street and Congress street on Woodward 
avenue. There was one Methodist church here also. 



Reminiscences of T. H. Hinchman. 

" It was a long and tedious journey in those days," said Mr. T. 
H. Hinchman, the veteran drug merchant of Detroit, speaking of 
his initial visit to the cit}' of his adoption. "I came to Detroit by 
way of Lake Erie," said Mr. Hinchman. "I was eighteen years old 
at the time I started for the West. We made the journey west oa 
board the steamer Thomas Jefferson. Our dock was at the foot of 
Woodward avenue. The dock was owned by Dr. J. L. Whiting. 
Near by was the warehouse of Oliver Newberry. On the day of our 
arrival all the i)eople in the town, or a large proportion thereof, 
came down to the dock, according to custom, to see the steamer 
come in. At this time Detroit had 7,000 inhabitants, approximatly; 
and certainly it must have been a strange siiectacle to see this great 
gathering down at the wharf on steamer days. Yet, as I afterward, 
learned, this was a common procedure with early Detroiters, who 
looked upon a visit to the wharf as one of the special privileges of 
the day. We were very uncosmoiiolitan in those days. Often ha\ e 
I seen the leading men of the city going up and down the main 
street veith their trousers tucked in their boots, and, jjerhaps. nib- 
bling at a long wheat straw. The fashionable portion of Detroit 
lived on Jefferson avenue and on Woodbridge street. This aristo- 
cratic precinct was only broken over by the gradual expansion of 
business, and the widening of business centres. 

•'I was in Detroit during tlio dreadful panic of 18.3G. To say 
that all business was conipletely prostrated would be the mere 
expression of the truth. Everybody failed ; all ventures went to 
the wall, and more especially in the real estate line. Tlie jjanic was 
wide-spread and far-reaching. Tlie craze for real estate speculation, 
had led many jiersons to financial ruin. Values had been, just 
before the panic inflated again and again, until they had assumed 
proportions indeed startling. One of the good effects of the panic 
was to re-adjust on a relatively proper basis, the status of the realty 
market. The pendulum now took the opposite sweep, the result 
thereof being tliat land values went begging for purchasers. Every 
one was afraid to touch land. Those were the days that the founda- 



tions were laid for the immense fortunes that were afterwards 
realized by the heavy real estate production of Detroit. 

"Early Detroit was very hospitable and social in its ways. Its 
entertainments were always characterized by a broad spirit of wel- 
come. Whist and card parties were the favorite social diversion. 
Occasionally a dance would be given in the town hall. To these 
dances all the city went. There were no closely drawn lines, as 
between classes, but all stood on terms of equality, alike invited and 
alike welcome. The language of the city was French. When I 
think back on the simply, unaffected diversions of the early days and 
contrast them with the methods and wages of to-day. you cannot 
blame me if I say frankly that the memory of the olden time still 
has the warmest spot in my heart."' 



Reminiscences of J. Wilkie Moore. 

Among a coterie of old gentlemen who, every jjleasant after- 
noon, assemble in the reading room of the Eussell House to recount 
their experience of a past age, Mr. J. Wilkie Moore is especially 
conspicuous for his courtly mannerism and venerable appearance. 
With flowing beard, bleached to the whiteness of snow with the 
honorable touches of time's fingers, and a form and mien almost as 
stalwart as a youth, showing out imperfectly the burden of his 
years, he is ever the cynosure of the group about him, wlio like him- 
self delights to recall the good old days of the long ago. Mr. Moore 
is the President of the Wayne County Pioneer and Historical 
Society ; Vice-President of the State Pioneer and Historical Society, 
and one of Detroit's oldest and highest esteemed citizens. He was 
born at Geneva, N. Y., May 13, 1814, and his life has been co-inci- 
dent with the chief events which have afforded the surest supports 
of our great Republic. He inherited a patriotic ambition from his 
grand-father, a general in the revolutionary army, and a stern and 
inflexible heroism from his matei-nal ancestry ; the methodistic 
Scottish infusion so promotive of the stronger elements of the Amer- 
ican character. At an early age young Moore was put to learn the 
trade of silversmith in Livingston County, New York, but ill health 
prevented the culmination of his purjiose in this direction, which 
was after two years ab.andoned, and he determined to seek his for- 
tunes in the great west, at that time wielding an influence but little 
less potent than the Spanish dream of an El Dorado. Embarking 




J. WILKIE MOORE. 



i6 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



upon the steamer " Paine," his tnp to Detroit, occupying five days 
and five nights, is tlius related by Mr. Moore : — 

"I thought that I would never see land again. The lake was 
very rough. To nie it seemed like the ocean. At last we came in 
sight of the Island at the mouth of the Detroit River, when we 
began to feel that our trials were over. Oh, how glad I was to see 
lanil again !" 

Mr. Mooro arrived at Detroit November 1, I.ISS. The customary 
signal of firiii:; a camion on the coming " Paine," brought nearly all 
the inhabitants of t!ie city down to the dock. The city pro]>er was 
rea<-hed from Jefferson avenue. The first market stood in the mid- 
dle of Woodward avenue, and extended from Jefferson avenue to 
Atwater street. The building was a French structure, in the quaint 
old fasliioned style. It was the j)rjde of the town. Where now 
stands the Russell Ilonse stood an old, dilapidated blacksniitli's 
shop. At the corner of Woodward avenue and Congress street was 
an old log bridge snanning the little stream, the Savoyard, whose 



I>ower. The horse was stationed on the hurricane deck. The power 
was communicated from a windlass, to which the horse was hitched, 
to the screw of the ferry boat. Tlio inhabitants at that time were 
mostly French Canadians. Everybody belonged to the fire depart- 
ment. Every family in the city had a tar bucket, constituting pro- 
tection from fire. When an alarm was sounded everybody ran with 
his or her bucket, hastening to put out the blaze. 

The first circumstance in the way of city improvements was a 
three foot plank sidewalk. This was regarded as very extravagant. 
Government lands could be bought at ten shillings per acre. When 
Mr. Jloore came to Detroit there were in tlie city seven brick build- 
ings. Seven churches stood below the blacksmith's shcp, above 
referred to. Toledo stood in Jlichigan ami was called Vistula. 
Then it became Port Lawrence. At last the name was changed to 
Toledo. Mr. Jloore reiiorts often having seen deer and bears and 
wolves on the old Knaggs farm, now the Bela Hubbard farr.i. 

On Sunday the people used to go to church in carts sitting 




month was wliere now stands tlic jn-escnt ])ost office. Tliis stream 
ran in a direction north-easterly, toward the central market, finall\- 
wasting itself in the marslies of the back country. The stone uscil 
in the construction of the old St. Anne's church was brought iij) tlic 
river from Wyamlotte and Ecorse in the scows of tlie Fici.cli fislici- 
men. The water works in tliose days was a red painted b;irrel ; 
anybody wanting water went to the public pump at the foot of 
Randolph street and paid the man in attendance there for a barrel 
of water. Later the water was delivered to any part of the cit\ . 
The late Henry Berthelet, father-in-l:i\v of Jlr. M.u.iv, IkkI the 
cliartcr from the city in reference to the pump. M.iy's creek was 
another little stream, having its source in a marsliy spot where now 
stands the Cass market. The stream took a wmding course, and 
finally reached the Detroit somewhere in the vicinity of Sutton's 
pail factory, West Fort street, near Eleventh. The boys in those 
days used to fish near the Ca!=s market, and were Sir. Moore's lips 
not sealed many, indeed, are tlie fish stories he could recite of that 
early time. The ferry boats of the day were propelled by horse 



flat in tlie liottom Ci the conveyance. The carts were drawn by 
Frencli ponies. Mr. Jloore saw tlie corner stone laid of the old 
State Capitol, where now stands the Detroit High School, or, more 
properly, the back end thereof. 

"The people used candles in their homes. Cias was unknown. 
But, after all, there was a vast fund of genuine comfort in the olden 
days'; comforts, too, that now, in this unresting age, seem gone 
forever. " 



Reminiscences of Alanson Sheley. 

Of the older residents of Detroit, who has contiiiuously since 
his identification with the city been numbered with its leading busi- 
ness representatives, Mr. Alanson Sheley, of the drug house of 
Williams, Sheley & Brooks, affords a striking instance. This gentle- 
man came to Detroit fifty-nine years ago and his recollections of 
tliat early period in the city's history are narrated by himself as 
follows: — 

" I came to Detroit August 31, 1831. The town at that time did 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



I 




ALANSON SHELEY. 

not contain above 2,500 inhabitants. There were then but two 
wharves here — one called the government wharf and the other, 
Jones' wharf. The market stood in the middle of Woodward 
avenue, just below Jefferson avenue. It was built of wood and was 
then the only market in Ihe city. There was but one business street 
of any kind or description, which was Jefferson avenue. Randolph 
street, at that time, represented the east end of the city. Wood- 
ward avenue extended beyond the city limits, and Woodbridge 
street ran up as far as Ri-ver street. Larned street did not go 
further eastward tlian Randolph street. There was no street except 
Randolph street leading up from the river and that did not extenti 
any further than Grand River avenue. Thei-e were but two hotels 
then, the Woodward Hotel and the Mansion House, down near the 
Cass farm. Judge Woodward came here from Washington to laj' 
out the city. He and Judge Wetherell laid out the city of Detroit. 
It was for Judge Woodward that Woodward avenue was named, 
other streets being given presidential names, etc. Judge Wetherell 
extended Woodward avenue above the Grand Circus park, making 
it sixty feet wide. The Judge once facetiously remarked : 'You 
may call it Wither street, because it has withered all of my pros- 
pects.' Cass farm was just beyond the Mansion House, whicli was 
located on First street on the river bank, twenty-five feet above the 
water, and General Cass' house stood just beyond it, a little miser- 
able wooden building. There were no streets running: west, except 
Michigan and Grand River avenues, and none east further than 
Randolph street. Where the Russell House now stands the property 
was owned by one Dr. Brown. He offered to sell it to me in 1833 
for $750. It was swampy ground in the centre of which stood a, 
lar_;e building, and I would not buy because I was not assured that 
it would ever be worth more. Land right out on Woodward avenue 
could be purchased for from $50 to $100 per acre. You could buy 
anything you wanted at about $50 per acre. When I came here 
Evan Davis, William Brewster, I. L. King and Enoch Jones were 
the dry goods merchants. I remember that E. Bingham was con- 
ducting the drug business. The fact is there were not many stores 
here at that time. Goods came to Buffalo by canal from New York 
or Albany and thence by boats to Detroit. When navigation was 
closed, there was no way of getting goods at all. I will give you an 
instance : Navigation was closed one fall and there was no salt 
here, except what Mr. Oliver Newberry had. No salt could be had 
from Syracuse then. Mr. Newberry was a kind-hearted man, but 

t2] 



he would sell but one barrel of salt to any one person at a fair price. 
Thus the farmers and others witli their families were supplied. 
Oliver Newberry was about the principal merchant at that time, 
lie built boats and gave employment to a good many men in the 
town and was the leading man in all of our commercial relations on 
the lakes. There weie no manufacturing establishments here in 
1831. There was afterward a man named Hill, who had a cabinet 
maker's shop, which was the first beginning of manufactures in 
Detroit. There had been for some years prii)r to my coming, wagon- 
shops and such places, where were made French carts, as they were 
termed. There was not a single carriage owned by any family in 
Detroit. Everybody rode in carts and wagons. Such a thing as a 
buggy was not known. The mail came by boats and in winter by 
stage. The postmaster, when I first came was James Lambert, but 
he was succeeded in the fall of that year, by John Nerval, a friend 
of Andrew Jackson, from whom he received the appointment. The 
post office w^as on the site of the old Michigan Exchange, but was 
removed by Norval to the little building just below. His wife 
assisted him. He had no clerk. The mail received by stage came 
in about once a day from Cleveland by way of the Black Swamp. 
The first wholesale dry goods merchant, I think, wasZach Chandler, 
and about the same time Mr. Baldwin was the leading dealer in 
shoes. 

■•The liist bide walk in Detroit was built by Zach Chandler at 
the corner of Jefferson and Woodward avenues. It was six feet 
wide and the wonder. Shortly afterward Dr. Bagg introduced an 
ordinance in the city council, requiring the construction of side- 
walks three feet wide on the jirincipal streets. Our fire department 
was of the most primitive kind. Every householder was obliged to 
keep two buckets of water in the house. When there was a fire 
everybcK'.y turned out with their buckets, arranged themselves 
ill a line froui the river to the fire and passed buckets along the line 
to the old-fashioned hand fire engine. The first theatre was built 
in Detroit in 1842, I think, on Gratiot avenue, where the public 
library now stands. It was an old wood building, such as nobody 
would attend now-a-days, but it served our purpose nicely in those 
times. 



but 



Reminiscences of Alexander C. McGraw 

The gentleman who favored this publication with 
interesting interview, Sir. 



.a brief 
A. C. McGraw, is to-day the 




ALEXANDER C. MCGRAW. 



i8 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



oldest merchant in Detroit, in continuous service, and has been 
aas(jciatcil with Detroit's business interests since 1833, a period of fifty- 
nine years. 

"There is but little any of us old men could say," began Mr. 
McGraw, "that would prove of interest to the rising generation. 
Times are so changed, and so many of us have passed away, that, 
indeed, but few of us remain who could appreciate the full signifi- 
cance of tales of the olden daj s. However, I recall many bits of 
historj' -personal or local — that might bear rei)eatiiig : — 

"I was born in the Highlands of the Hudson, September 20, 
1S((0, and left Newburgh with my father's family May 18, 18.")0, in a 
sailing lioat for All)any, wliere we took passage on the Erie Canal 
tliat had been finished but a few years, conseijuently many of tlie 
towns on the route were new. The boat stopped in many places. 
I remember well the a|)pearance of Rix-hester. Tlio streets had 
been laid out and the forest trees cut down, but the stumps were 
yet standing. At that time there were no ])assenger railroads in 
the United States, but one from Albanj' to Schenectady was being 
constructed, and one or two others. From Bufl'alo to Detroit, we 
came up the lake on a tub of a steamer named the Peacock. Captain 
Pease — it was a high position those days and Captain Pease was a 
high-toned character tliat must be approaclied by a passenger with 
hat in hand. Some few years afterward the steamboat Michigan 
was built and Captain Pease was promoted to the command, where 
his dignity was largely increased, and the day before arrival in 
Chicago, at the Captain's dinner a toast was drunk by the passen- 
gers. ' The Steamboat Michigan too large a pod for small Peas.' 

"On our arrival in Detroit we hired rooms and commenced 
hou.se-keoping. Soon afterwards my fatlier and I with two or three 
others started for Oakland County, on the Pontiao road on foot. 
Tlie day was warm and some of our parly became thirsty and 
inquired of two or three persons we met, if wo would soon come to 
water, but was told old Jlotlier Handsom's at Koyal Oak would be 
the first place. Mother Handsom was so homely slie was called 
Handsome. She had been through the war of 1813 to 1815, as a 
camp woman. When we arrived at her cabin, she stood in the door 
with a broom in her hand. My father was naturally ])olite and 
hurried up to her and said, ' Mrs. Handsom, you <lon't know how 
glad we are to see you.' ' Dam you,' she said, • if you call me Mrs. 
Handsome, I will break tliis broom-stick over yniir head.' My 
lather's surprise can be imagined. Her name was (Miapel. She is 
remembered by i..aiiy of tlie early settlers of Oakland County. My 
father soon after bought a farm near Pontiac and I opened a shoe 
shop there and ran it until the cholera of 18^2 broke out in 
Detroit. I was ordered out to stand guard to prevent stages with 
passengers entering the village. I had previously rented a store in 
Detroit and I moved in while the cliolera was raging and have con- 
tinued business here up to date. May, 1891. 

"The old time melliods of doing business were somewhat 
peculiar. There was but little cash in the country in those days, 
consequently many employers were accustomed to ))ay their help 
with store orders, so-called. These orders were seldom for more 



than a few dollars, but settlement for the same was usually deferred 
1 year. Sometimes we had settlements every six months, hut gen- 
erally these accounts would run a year. The result was that busi- 
ness was quite stagnant. 

" With the panic of 183V many failed. The forerunner of the 
panic was the famous wild-cat bank era, when money depreciated 
to such an extent that it was dangerous for a merchant to keep cash 
overnight. When a lady would go into a store to buy a piece of 
dress goods the proprietor used to make here show her money before 
he would cut the cloth. These wild-cat banks sprung up ia wildest 
profur.ion all over the lan<l. Hides were one of the few legitimate 
securities of the day. I bought hides with the money and exchanged 
the hides for leather in New York, and worked the leather into boots 
and shoes, 

"The oamiiaign of 1840 always seemed to me the most remark- 
able in point of general enthusiasm, this country has ever seen. I 
rememlurthat I assisted in building a log cabin on Jefferson avenue, 
opposite tli(^ Bidillo House, where we sang the praises of Harrison. 
The front door was duly decorated with coon skins, while near at 
hand was the cider barrel for the masses. I went once to a grand 
meeting held at Tippecanoe, wliere thousands of young men had 
assembled, coming many hundred miles from adjacent states. The 
Alaumee river was filled with all sorts of craft for a distance of 
about twelve miles. Such a meeting I never saw before or since. 
The jieople were reckoned not by thousands but by so many miles. 
The orators of the day often loile through the c luiitry in wagons, 
the box of which was a miniature representation of a log cabin. 
The campaign was famous for the number of young men it brought 
out. Horace (lieeley made his debut in this campaign, circulating 
a paper called the Log Cabin. The origin of the Log Caliin, as a 
political symbol came through an accident. When Harrison was 
nominated, the opposition was inclined to scoff. They advised him 
to stay in his log cabin and eat coon meat and drmk his hard cider. 
This was at once taken up by the Whigs, who turned it into the 
greatest party symbol the country has ever known. Matty Van, as 
Mr. Van BuriTi was called, was ordinarilly figured as a used \ip 
man. Then the Whigs used to sing a song of many veries, to the 
tune of 'The Little Pig's Tail.' One Verse ran : — 

'Farewell, dear Van, 
You're not our man ; 
To guide our ship 
We'll try old Tip.' 

" Yes, indeed ; the campaign of 1810 will long be remembered as 
the most enthusiastic our country has ever seen ; and Detroitcrs of 
that early day were no exception to the rule. Drtroit in the Terri- 
torial years of her existence, was highly favored with strong men, 
the Governor and Judges being superior men to the politicians thr.t 
have governed many of the Territories since. The names of many 
of theiii are well known to this generation and will be in future 
vears to others. 



Detroit in Commerce. 



^^^>ROM its original significance as an eligible trading station for furs and its 
occupancy in that relation by Cadillac and his French garrison in 1701, 
Detroit has assumed the distinction and prominence due to its geographic location and 
the facilities afforded by its water-ways and generally favorable trade essentials. 
It early attracted settlers of commercial inclinations, who established the founda- 
tions from which have grown the vast enterprises of to-day. The introduction of 
the railway and telepraph contributed to the rapid progress of commercial and 
manufacturing relations and the extension of trade in tributary directions. Modern 
mechanical art and science, prolific in the construction of labor-saving machinery 
and appliances, have rendered manufacturing operations productive of great exten- 
sion, and Detroit's products in varied relations find ready sale in all markets. 



DFTROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



BANKING AND FINANCE. 



BY T. II. IIIN'CHMAK. 



" From 18;5S to 18-1.") tlie business of chartered lianks in Detroit, 
anil also in Michigan was precarious or disastrous. The insurance 
coinpanj' which coninienced banking in 18:^, in a small way (^IS,.")!)!) 
(•a|)ltal), wiis the only survivor not under suspension and ditliculties. 
In 18-15 the State Bank and the Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank 
ns'eived their charters and continued business profitably, the first 
until 18.M anil the latter to 1802. In 1849 the legislature granted two 
(■.barters, one of wliicli was the Det-jit Savings Fund Institute, 
witliout capital, which was re organized into the Detroit Savings 
liiiik in ISTI, with .f-'Od.OOO capital, and is the oldest bank now in 
Detroit or Michigan. The I'.'ninsular Bank was also chartered in 
the same year with ^lOO.OdO capital, increased in 1853 to .t^OO.CKMl, 
and in 1858 to $;J50,000. In 18">7 it suspended ; resumed in 1858, but 
had a jirecarioua and unprofitable business until 1870, when it 
cKised, paying shareholders 20 per cent. Thus, from 1842 to 185i), 
five banks in Detroit ^vith aggregate capital of !f;5()l),01)() to $80(1,000 
transacted all city and much state business with the aid of able and 
leliablo jirivate bankers, viz: J. L. Lyell commenced 1S4;J; 
J. O. (Jraves, 184:i ; CVie & C.'oit, 1843, succeeded by A. H. Dey, 1845 ; 
W. A. Butler & Company, 1847; S. A. Ives & Comjiany and C. A. Ives, 
A. Ives & Sons, 1847 to thi.-: ilale ; David Preston & Company, 1852 to 
1885 ; V. J. Sc Jtt, 1850 to 1885 and others of lesser imijortance. 

"In 1857 a second general Banking law was pa.ssed by the legis- 
lature, which was voted upon by the people in 1858, and took etfect 
in 1859. Banks were slow to organize under the law. The State 
Bank of Jlichigan, at Detroit, was tlie first : tliis was merged into the 
First National Bank in 1865; The Michigan Insurance Bank, in ISOO, 
which re-organized into the National Insurance ]5ank in 1804 and 
(Oosed in IS(ii), after a successful career ; Mercliants"& Manufacturers' 
HaiUc. 18('iy, re-organized intoa National Bank in 1877. Oidy four banks 
organized uncler the law in the first four years, and only 
fifteen to 1871, when the law was amended with ])articulurreference 
to Savnigs Banks, after which Savings Banks were organized 
rapidly — in 1871, thirteen, 1872, nine; by 188G the total of organiza- 
tion had been eighty-four under the laws of 1857 and amendment of 
1871, of which, at that date, thirty-five Savings Banks and twenty 
State Banks remained doing business, twenty-nine having discon- 
timied or were re-organi/.ed into National Banks. Their business 
was generally fair, but few had accumulated much surplus or finan- 
ciil strength. In Detroit, prior to the j)assage of the National 
Hanking law in 18(i;t, were tlie following Itanks : The Micliigan 
liisiiiance Bank, Detrnit Savings Institute, State Bank and I'cnin- 
sular Bank. The Jackson City Bank, at Jackson, had a good 
business, and was the strongest State Bank. The reliance of the 
state was largely upon private bankers, who were prosperous and 
ai'.quireil considerable capital. Following is a list of the stronger : 
At Adrian, W. M. Waldby, L. II. Berry ; Albion, J. W. Sheldon ; Ann 
Arliiir, Miller & Webster; Battle Creek, L. C. Kellogg; Collier, 
Kingman & Skinner, A. C. Hamlin ; Bay City, C. \V. Gibbon ; 
Detroit. T. L. Lyell, W. A. Butler, Kellogg, Granger & Sabin, C. & 
A. Ives, Parsons & Fislier, David Preston; East Saginaw, W. L. I'. 
Little & Comiiany, Biockway, Skeels & Comi)any ; Flint, Stone & 
Wetherbee, E. H. llazeltnn & Company ; (irand Kaiiids, Ledyard & 
Aldrich, M. L. Sweet; Hilsdale, Waldron & Waldliy, C. J. Mitchell 
& Henry Waldron ; Hudson, Buies, Rude & Company, J. M. Osboi-n ; 
Jackson, C^)oper & Thompson, P. B. I.,oomis & Com|iany ; Jonesville, 
W. W. Murphy & W. J. Baxter, E. O. Grosvenor ; Kalamazoo, T P. 
Sheldon, J. P. Sheldon & Company ; Monroe, Wing & Johnson, 
Dansard Sc Lafonlain ; Marshall, C. T. Gorham, Perrin & Sibley, J. 
('. Frink ; Niles, R. C. Paine; Pontiac, Comstock & Stout ; Saginaw 
City, G. L. Buiiows & Company ; St. Johns. H. C. Ilodges, A. G. 
Iligham ; Schoolcraft, Dykeman &Ciibb; Ypsilanti, Follet, Conklin 
& Company, B. Follet & Company, E. & F. P. Bogardus. R. U. 
Hempill, a l)artner with B. Follet, commenced in 1S5!). 

Private Banks were more reliable and of imicli mon perma- 
nent value to the iieople, state and Detroit, than were cliartered 
Banks, until organizations under the National Banking law and 
,;he state law of 1871, when several private banks changed 
to National Banks, or Savings Banks. State Banking laws in 
Michigan had not been passed upon or amemled since 1871 and were 



not satisfactory to Bankers or the public. Several attempts were 
made at different sessions of the legislature without result. In 
1887 a bill was introduced by Hon. C. J. Monroe, revising the 
system, adopting the most salient and desirable provisions of the 
National law. Acommis.sioner totakechargeof the e.M'cutionof the 
law by su]>ervision and examination was jirovided. The bill jiassed, 
was apjiroved Juno 25, 1887, voted upon by the peojile in November 
and took effect January, 1889. Since September, 18S7, forty-four 
Banks have newly organized, five of which are in Detroit, and all 
state Banks are conformed to and governed by the law. Ot tlie 
new Banks twenty-eight have the title of 'Savings' Banks. Any 
Bank, under the law, may have a savings department, and any 
savings Bank can transact all and any business of Banking as pro- 
vided. The law is very acceptable, and has induced the organization 
of Banks in many interior towns. Its ])riivisions are well suited to 
the pulilic needs and the law is popular with the pcDjile. It is much 
to he desired tliat state Banks, under proper home supervision, 
.should trans let the business of their localities and receive on deposit 
savings at an interest rate. 

Tliere were eighty state and savings Banks icpnrled in Michi- 
gan in 18S8. Thirteen new Banks were organized i i ls.s!) ;ind iif teen 
additional in 1890. Of tliis number 108 Banks have iijiortcd to the 
commission wii h the iollowing totals : Capital, $^.40O..'-i:!5 ; deposits, 
$4;i,180..500; loans, $27,028,115; stocks, bonds and mortgages, ^18,- 
840,637. Sixty-seven of the above are Banks witli savings depart- 
ments, having 12(>,604 savings depositors and a total of $27,779,136 
deposits at an average rate of interest of 3.76 jier cent. Commercial 
deposits, .^9.346, 646; certificates, $6,054,724. Total assets of 106 
Banks and two trust companies, $56,950,395. Si.x of the fifteen state 
Banks of 1889 are conversions from National Banks. Within four 
years, at least twelve Banks have given up national charters. There 
are 113 National Baiik-i in the state, having an aggregate capital of 
$15,(;74,liOO; surjihis fund, !j;3. 173,932 ; de|io.sits. $37,059,397; due to 
Banks and Bankers, $0,052,261 ; loans and liiscounts, $47,527,375. 
Total of 221 Banks in the state, caiiital. $24,000,135; deposits, $80,- 
539,905 ; duo to 15aiiks and Bankers, $7,:!77,304 ; loans and discounts, 
.$75,155,520 ; stocks, bonds and mortgages, $23,136,308. 

Sa-o-inga IBai-n"tes iia. IDe-tx^oit;- 

OrKaiiization. Capitul. Deposit.^;. 

Tlptroit Savings Bank 1849 re-organized ISTi S.' iMHK) St,:iUS,I(io 

Wavni-f ity Savings Bank Septeu,biTls, 1871 l.Vi.rcio r>,0i'!),i,7 1 

Pe, pie sSaviiijs Bank lanuary 1, 18.^ ,'iOO.(IOO C,-,'14 OS'J 

Jleehaniis Hunk Oetober 4, 18T1 l()0,liOO l,(Klil.l«l 

Micliigan S.-ivings Bank February in, is;r IW.OOO l,2.'t,0lKI 

Geiniiui American Bank Februai-y S, is«:i lOti.iWO Nil). 000 

Dime Savings Bank April.5,lHHl •Mt.lUk) 1,1*11, I5!l 

I'itizens' Savings Blink March a. IKS.", x'iKl.iKii HSi.Sto 

American Hanking & Havings As n April 1, IKKT .'•iKi.txm kks i**) 

Mate Saving's Hank October 21. ISKi 2il0.ili)il '.;,1SI1.1','9 

Ihimc Savings Hank October 11, IMS LliO.liiil rrr.ODJ 

(■ciitral Savings l:auk April 111, 1.88'i lOD.IIOll .■jli'l.OOO 

I'cninsnlar Savings Bank August ST, IMW avl.iNio ],34.'j.,').')l 

1 'it V Savings HaiiK October &■>, 1 8«!i ^.Vi.iiiil 5li0,ri«j 

Hctniit, Itiver Savings Bank March 20, isyii idd.Ohi i:i6,!)s-_> 

Total, Sa.lim.OOO S26,«S3.128 

"There are three trust company organizations not yil in active 
operation. 

" The legislature of 1889 passed a law for the incorporation of 
trust, deposit and security companies, and to repeal other laws pre- 
viously passed for that purpose. The same was approved May 23, 
1889. The object of the law is stated in the enacting clause (those 
interested can consult imblic acts, session 18S!(, pp. Ill to 117.) A 
very strong organization under the law has been iiartially effected in 
Detroit. It is not certain that active business will soon be com- 
menced, but the association comprising nearly all large capitalists in 
Detroit will bo available when it shall be demanded or thought 
advisable. Representatives from all city Banks are on the board of 
directors, so that the trust company may be subordinated, or, at 
least, work in harmony with exi; ting banking interests. The law at 
present, on careful examination by financial and legal experts, is not 
satisfactory to the incorporators of the company and its material 
amendment is sought at this session of the legislature, so that tlie 
word iiKiiicn in articles to be deposited shall be stricken out, and 
additional limitations, restrictions and ))enaltii's shall be added and 
enforced. As the law now stands trust coiniianies would be promi- 
nent and have an extensive and profitable business. 

" In 1802 the government was in need of largo amounts for war 
purposes. Secretary of the Treasury Chase made trijis to New York 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



21 



to consult Bankers with reference to tlie disposal of bonds, and the 
issue of currency by Banks that would be national and at par in 
all states and territories. A bill had been introduced "n congress in 
1861, which was reported upon favorably by the committee, of 
which E. G. Spaulding, and Samuel Hooper were prominent. Mr. 
John J. Knox and Hon. A. B. Potter advocated a national 
system of Banking. In 1863 a bill was introduced in the senate by 
Hon. Jolin Sherman, reported upon favorably February 3, and 
February 13. passed the senate by a vote of twenty-three to twenty- 
one. The bill was mainly copied from the general Banking law of 
New York, but to adapt it to a national system prominent Bankers 
in New York and Philadelphia were consulted. The bill passed the 
House 20th of February, and was promptly approved. The law was su- 
perceded by the act of June 3, 1864, without essential change, except- 
ing in title. The law was of immense advantage to the government. 
In three years .f390,000,000 bonds were purchased for Banks, upon 
which 90 |)er cent, of notes were issued and circulated. The govern- 
ment taxed their capital twenty years, to 1883, aggregating $60,940.- 
067, and the issues of bills to this date, realizing from both $137,664, 
13.5, to January 1, 1890. In three years 1601 Banks organized under 
the law with |337, 000,000 capital and to November, 1889, 4,148 
organizations (including re-organizations) had been effected, 3,318 
continuing. In Michigan forty-two banks were authorized in the two 
and one quarter years succeeding the passage of the act, and by the 
close of 1889. one hundred and thirteen national Banks remained, 
doing business in the state, out of about loO organizations and 
re-organizations. 

The following National Banks have been organized in Detroit. 

Name. Date of iiei'inissiou Capital. Surplus 

to commence. during 

189J. 

First Nat lonal Bank October 5, 1603 $600,000 

First National Bank, re-organized., , . . June 19, 1888 f uo.iiOO $100,000 

Second National Bank | October r, 186:3 50O 000 1 

, , . , increased to !- 

succeeded by ^^ 1,000.100 j 

Detroit National J February 1, 1883 1,000,000 131,000 

National Insurance Bank Julj' 13, 1865 ( onn nn 

<liscon inued, March 1, 1869 (" -""'"" 

American Nationil Bank ) ....August 39, 1863 400,000 

succeeded by 

American Ex'ge Nat'nl Ban'.:, ) .June 36, ISa? 403,000 100,000 

Merch-ts- & Mnfrs' National Bank | . . .July 13, isrr i^^,^^,^^ tolllii;^!! \ 1»»'™ 

Commercial National Bank J- . ...Novemberai, WSl jj|pj.g^j.j.j j^UI^J^JJ J- lOO.ftlO 

Union National Bank April 13, 1886 " 300,000 31.000 

Third National Bank June 1, I'^l increased to otISI f I"'** 

Preston National Bank July 188?;^^.,..,^^, ^^ , '^fw \ •'"■"'™ 

Aggregate Jll. 100,000 J,-)9J,O0O 

Total deposits (including Due from Banks), S16,30.j,403. 

" The National Banking system was originated in aid of govern- 
ment finances primarily, and its history demonstrates great profit 
and advantages realized. During and immediately after the war 
banks were managed so as to make the business largely profitable 
to the stronger associations, and fairly so to others, since which the 
policy of the government has not been liberal, or, perhaps, just. 
Congress has passed no bills favoring a continuance of the issue of 
currency by them, or for the pei'petuity of the system. There has 
been too much open and secret hostility on the part of many politi- 
cians. Notwithstanding that legislation and Banking should be for 
the interest, convenience and benefit of the people, and commercial 
interests, that was only a third consideration on the passage of the 
bill and to this time. Commercial interests have, incidentall}', 
been well served, and general prosperity has been jiromoted by 
the large capital, immense deposits and the facilities for borrowing 
from national Banks. Currency issued by them was the best ever 
circulated and should be continued to the exclusion of treasury 
notes ("green backs.") The policy of the government with respect 
to silver and paper circulation is that of commercial speculation for 
profit not warranted by public demand or approval. National 
Banks have more general character and may be preferred by Banks 
and correspondents in other states. They are also indispensable or 
desirable in large cities as legal reserve Banks. The larger class of 
investors and depositors have preferred National Banks. That opinion 
or preference is changing, especially in the state of Jlichigun, where 
state Banks are more popular. In Detrtiit and at some other points, 
they take the lead in total of deposits and in financial strengh. 
Many state institutions are equally well managed and more profit- 



able. They are free from loss by shrinkage of premium on bonds, 
and have no tax upon unprofitable circulation. As a rule thev are 
less expensively managed and yield larger returns to shareholders. 
State Banks and savings Banks have powers not conferred on 
national Banks in loaning upon a greater variety of securities, 
including mortgages and personal property. They can also deposit 
their reserves in other banks, at an interest rate to be agreed upon, 
retaining only a limited amount of idle money in the their vaults. 

"Private Banking in Detroit has long been a reliable and trust- 
worthy aid to financial interests. Of names heretofore mentioned 
several are yet in banking as large shax'e holders in savings and 
national banks. The following firms continue in business as 
Bankers have high credit and are reliable, viz : A. Ives & Sons 
commenced in 1847; McLellan & Anderson, 1879; J, L. Harper & 
Company, 1883; Campbell, Broughton & Company, 1888. 

'•The number of Bankers throughout the state is over 300, 
several of wliom have long been established, and justly have su- 
perior credit and standing. The most prominent that continue in the 
business in interior towns are W. S. Wilcox and Channing Whitney 
and Waldby Clay & Company, at Adrian ; J. W. Sheldon, at Albion; 
N. G. King, at Brooklyn ; I. M. Wattles, at Lapeer ; R. Kempf & 
Brother, G. P. Glarier & Son, Chelsea ; Church, Bills & Company, 
Ithica ; P. B. Loomis & Company, Jackson ; E. O. Grosvenor & 
Company, JonesviUe ; Bois, Eaton & Company, Hudson ; Bills, 
Lilly & Company, Tecumseh ; C. J. Church & Company, Greenville ; 
Maynard & Allen, Portland ; W. S. Turck & Company, Alma ; W. 
S. Edsell tSc Son, Otsego ; Dausard, Monroe ; S. A. Bailey, Benton 
Harbor ; Charles Jlontague, Caro ; H. A. Wetmore, Cheboygan : 
Van Tiiyle& Silvers, Clinton; J. C. Ells work, Fowlerville; C'rossman& 
Williams, Williamston ; W. McPherson & Company, Howell ; 
Ullrich & Crocker, Mt. Clemens ; Webber, Just & Company, Muir ; 
J. S. Lapham & Company, Northville ; Hannah, Lay & Company, 
Traverse City ; Webber & Chapin, Otsego ; N. Turrell & Son, Litch- 
field; G. A. Smith, Addison. 

" A clearing house was established in Detroit in January, 1883, 
thirteen Banks or bankers participating, others clearing through 
national banks. In 1890 and 1891 there were twenty members. Clear- 
ings, in 1883 V7ere $131,410.9.50; in 1884, $133,570,835; in 1885, $143,- 
384.094; 1886, $165,798,958; 1887, $198,085,935; 1888, $337,536,339; 
1889, $243,414,800; 1890, $300,6.58,010. 

"The comparative business of all Detroit Banks can be estimated 
by the following clearing house returns for the year 1890. The 
amounts stated include collections for other and distant banks, that 
may be witliout profit. Savings and other banks, may have large 
transactions that are not liable to go througli a clearing house. 

"Clearing, for twenty-eiglit Detroit Banks and two private 
Banks for 1890:— 



First National Bank, - . - 

Detroit National B ink, - - . 

American P^xchange National Bank, 

Merchants' & .Manufacturers' National Bank, 

Commercial Nalional Bank, 

Mechanics' Bank. .... 

German American Bank, 

Union Nafonal Bank, . - - - 

Third National Bank, 

Prestoj's National Hank, - _ - 

Detroit Savings Bank, 

Peope's Savings Bank, - . - 

Sta:e Savings Bank, 

A. Ives & Son, ..... 

Citizens' Savings Bank, 

Peninsular Savm s Baidc, 

American Banking tfc Savings .Vssociation, 

Dine Savings Batjk, . . . . 

J. L. Harper X Co, 

City Savings Bank. . . . . 



831,.308,110 
34,.'):!8,40o 
33,176,685 
2.3,308,349 
30,048,076 
13,!)34,.516 
7,300,831 
4,31.'j,341 
11,500,816 
30,809,018 
10,517,037 
I3,164,'I15 
6,313,175 
7,968,313 
5,437.336 
14,016,439 
6,331,907 
3,033,414 
2,813.1.50 
3,79,5,113 

$300,058,010 



AMERICAN BANKING AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION. 

John 51. Nicol, Cashier of tlie American Banking and Savings 
Association, is one of Detroits' most active business men, whose 
varied e.Kp3riences, in nuuierous successful enterprises, have fitted 
him to fill with peculiar ability the responsible position whicli lie 
now occupies. 

Mr. Nieol's father came to this country from Scotlaml. in 1829, 
and was engaged in the manufacture of woolens in Oliio and Michi- 
gin, operating Iiis mill at St. Clair until 1885, when he sold out. 

John M. Nicol was born in G irrettsviUe, Portage County, Ohio, 
January 21, 1846, and removed to St. Clair with his parents when 



22 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




JOHN M. NICOL. 

two years old. lie remained liere till he was seventeen, attending 
school and assisting his father at the mill, during his vacations. He 
then came to Detroit and spent a year at school, when he entered 
the old Farmers' & Mtchanics' Bank, situated where Burnham & 
Stoepel's dry goods house now stands. He was teller here for two 
years, when tliat and tlie banking office of A. II. Dey were merged 
into the American Natiimal Hank. He held the position of general 
l)ookkeeper in this bank for four yeais, in the meantime employing 
what little capital he had in tlie steamboat business. In 1SG9 he 
left the bank and took a position with Captain KberWard, who was 
then engaged in running a line of lake steamers. After two years 
the steamboat company was re-organized as a stock company, of 
which he was juade secretary. In 1H76 he became state agent of the 
" Canada Soutliern Fast Freight Line," remaining with the line for 
fom- years, when he started the manufacture of chemicals and 
pharniaccuticuls with his brother-in-law, James II. Glover. In 1887 
he sold out bis interest here and organized the American Banking 
and Savings Association and American Trust Company. The rapid 
growth and financial success of the Bank have attracted attention 
and commendation from its inception. Tlie Bank was organized 
with a capital of .fiOO.tJOO, and the Trust Company, with a capital of 
$100,000. The business of the Trust Company, not meeting the 
expectations of the management, the company was dissolved and 
the cajiital merged into that of the Bank, making its cajiital $;5U0,000. 
The business of the Bank is botli commercial and savings, and t\w 
deposits have increased from month to month, until they now 
aggregate nearly .$1,000,000. The removal of the business in Jlay, 
ISOI, to the elegant new offices in the Hammond Building, gives the 
American Banking and Savings Association one of the most con- 
venient and best e4uiiii)ed offices in the city. These offices have a 
forty foot fi-ontago on Griswold street, with a depth of sixty feet, 
and the fittings of onyx marble and white mahogany are rich and 
handsome. 

The officers of the Association are : W. H. Stevens, President ; 
John X. Jloran, First Vice-President ; Cliarles C. Hodges, Second 
Vice-President ; John M. Nicol, Cashier. 

AMERICjVN EXCHANGE NATIONAL BANK. 
M. S. Smith, President; George B. Sartwell, Vice-President: 
Hamilton Dey, Cashier ; Hermann Dey, Assistant C.ishier ; 73 and 74 
Griswold ytreet. This Bank was organized originally in 1865, as 



the American National Bank, and re-organized in 1885, as the Amer- 
ican Exchange National Bank, and incorporated with a capital, fully 
paid up, of f;400,000. Its putdished statement of condition, 'at the 
close of business, October 2, 1890, represented a surplus fund of 
$100,000 ; undivided profits of $78,800.29, and loans and discounts of 
$2,591,929.88. Its business has been of an exceptionally satisfactory 
and successful character due to its prudent, consei'vative and enter- 
prising nianagement and direction. 

The Bank transacts a general Banking business in its varied 
details, surli as the negotiation of commercial jiaper, the issuance 
of litters of credit available in foreign countries, drafts upon corres- 
ponding Banks in leading cities, discounts, etc. The conduct of the 
affairs of this Bank has been ably administered and reflects signal 
honor and credit upon its officers and Board of Directors, who are 
among Detroit's leading and representative business men and influ- 
ential and progressive trade factors. The President, M. S. 
Smith, is the Treasurer of the firm of Alger, Smith and Companj-, 
extensive lumber dealers, and President of the American Eagle 
Tobacco Company, and is one of Detroits' millionaires and most 
sterling and useful trade exemplars. The Board of Directors is 
composed of the following leading and prominent busine.-3 men, all 
of whom have impressed themselves upnn Detroits' commercial 
elevation in imperishable characters; Simon J. Muri)hy, Thomas 
W. Palmer, George B. Sartwell, M. S. Smith, AVilliam E. Quinby, 
Samuel Heavenrich, "William A. Moore, D. D. Thorp, Hamilton Dey 
and George H. Hopkins. 

Hamilton Dey, Ciishier of the American Exchange National 
Bank, was descended fioni a prominent Dutch family, who came 
over to America early in the history of the colonial settlements, and 
was born at Detroit, April 11, 1819. He received his educational 
the Michigan University, from which institution ho was graduated 
in 1872, taking the degree of PIi. B. in the Latin scientific course. 
During the same year Sir. Dey became associated with the American 
E.Kchange National Bank, of Detroit, in which he has occupied the 
positions of bookkeeper, assistant cashier and cashier, liaving 
assumed the duties of the latter office in August, 1889. Mr. Dey 
has, since his connection with the Banking business, devoted him- 
self exclusively to involved interests, and has ever shown an enter- 
prising and convervative management, and a tireless adhesion to 
progressive jirinciples. His father was f.ir many years the honored 
President of the Bank, and dying, bequeathed his son a fadeless 




HAMILTON I)K\ 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



name and a blameless and distinguished record, which he has 
Ijerpetuated in the exercise of the noble example thus afforded and 
which is to his great honor to have so successfully and so meritori- 
ously emulated. 

CITIZENS' SAVINGS BANK. 

Tlie Citizen's Pavings Bank was organized JIarch 2, 1885, with a 
capital stocli; of $100,000, which in May, 1890, was increased to 
$300,000. The business of the Bank has been exceptionally pros- 
perous under an able and judicious management and direction. Its 
oflBccrs are : Collins B. Hubbard, President ; R. H. Fyfe, Vice- 
President, and Edwin F. Mack, Cashier. The Bank has a svirplus of 
$100,000, and is in a highly progressive condition. 

Edwin F. Mack, Cashier Citizen's Savings Bank, was born at 
Ann Arbor, Michigan, October 6, 18G0, of German parentage, his 
father being a native of Wuertemberg and coming to the United 
States when sixteen years of age. His father enguged in the dry 
goods business. The son received his preliminary education in the 
public schools and was graduated from the University of Michigan 
with tlie degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1883, afterward spending a 
year in the study of French at Lausanne, Switzerland. His fii'st 
venture in actual business was as a cashier in the Barnum Wire and 
Iron Works, in September, 1883, where he continued until Jlarcli, 
1885, wlu n the Citizen's Savings Bank was organized, Mr. Mack 
being selected as teller. In October, 188G, he became Assistant 
Cashier and was, in 1887, promoted to tlie position of Cashier, which 
he has since well and worthily filled. He was the originator of the 
Nicktl Saving Stamp System in the United States, which is being 
generally adopted by leading savings Banks. 

COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK 
Hugh SIcMillan, President ; Frank H. Walker, Vice-President ; 
Morris L. Williams, Cashier ; Frederick A. Smith, Assistant Cashier 
— 73 Griswcld street. This prosperous institution, incorporated 
December 27, 1881, has a capital of .$500,000 and a surplus of $200,- 
000. The Bank has had a remarkably successful career, marked bj' 
lirudent, conservative and enterjirising man.",gement and directisn, 
and may truly be regarded as one of the strongest financial institu- 
tions in the country. Tlie general business of the Bank includes 
receiving deposits, the negotiation of loans, the making of discounts 
and collections, issuing drafts upon corresponding Banks in leading 
cities, foreign exchange, etc. 





EDWIN F. MACK. 



MORRIS L. WILLIAMS. 

The officers are prominent business men of eiiterprising and 
judicious managerial abilities, and have established for this Bank 
the foremost place it occupies in public confidence and patronage. 
The President, Mr. Hugh McMillan, is also the President of the 
following important and leading corporations : Detroit Electrical 
Works, Hamtramck Transportation Company, Grand River Street 
Railway Company, and Vice-President of the Michigan Car Com- 
pany, Detroit Car Wheel Company, Baugh Steam Forge Company 
and the Detroit Iron Furnace Company. The Vice-President, Frank 
H. Walker, is a member of the firm of Hiram Walker & Sons. The 
Cashier, Mr. Morris L. Williams, is the Treasurer of the Inter-State 
Coal Car Supply Company. The Board of Directors is composed of 
the following well-known and eminent business men: Hugh 
McMillan, President ; Frank H. Walker, Vice-President ; Morris L. 
Williams, Cashier ; George Hendrie, Truman Newberry, J. H. 
Berry, John B. Dyar, W. A. McGraw, and W. C. Williams. The 
statement of tlie Bank at the close of business, October 2, 1890, 
showed total resources of $3,799,996.85, and undivided profits of 
$197,922.60. 

Morris Lewis Williams. The little Island of Anglesea on the 
north-east coast of Wales, famed in history as one of the principle 
seats of the Druid priests, the law givers of the ancient Britons, and 
celebrated for its many interesting relics of past ages, was the birth- 
place of the subject of this sketch. Here he was born May 9, 1841. 
His paternal progenitors belonged to one of the most noted and dis- 
tinguished of the old Welsh families, the name of Williams being 
inseperably interwoven with the important events of the principality 
of Wales from the earliest periods. 

Mr. Williiims became, in his early life, an apprentice in a large 
Bank in Liverpool, England, and served out his time of five years, as 
required by the rules governing these institutions in that country. 
He was still a very young man when he came to Detroit. Soon 
after his arrival here he became connected with the American 
National Bank, of Detroit, as Assistant Cashier, a position he con- 
tinued to fill, with credit and honor, for seventeen years He was 
one of the organizers of the Commercial National Bank, of Detroit, 
which was established in 1881, receiving the appointment of Cashier, 
a relation he has since ably and meritoriously sustained. He is the 
incumbent treasurer of the Inter-State Coal Car Supply Company, 
and a director of the Clinton Woolen Manufacturing Company. 
Mr. Williams possesses a distinctively exemplary executive ability 



24 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMFRCH 




*'\ 



.lOSKl'}! C. IIAkT. 

and a rare financial jmlgnient, (jualities whicli liave placed him in 
the fore front of the Bank ofiicials of Detroit. He is practically 
interested in tlie sure advancement of Detroit's great financial 
interests and keeidy alive to their proper control and systematic 
administration. As a member of tlie Plymoutli Congregational 
Cliunli lie takes an exceptionally (lee|) interest in Sabbath Schools, 
the aims and olijecls of which lie constantly strives to secure. Mr. 
Williams married a Detroit lady, and is a citizen thoroughly 
impressed with the city's future, as emphasized in its | resent highly 
favorable commercial status and rising iinaiicial power. Among 
those whose talents liave been specifically directed to the security of 
these philanthropic and laudable ends, no one is more justly and 
honorable distinguislied than Morris Lewis "Williams. 
CHNTKAL SAVIN(iS BANK, 

Gilbert Hart, President, (Joiirad (Jlippert, Vice President, and 
Joseph C. Hart, Cashier, is located in the Detroit Opera House 
Building, and rapidly gaining the favor and patronage of the public, 
on account of the convenience of the location and advantage of 
hours, which are from 9 a. m. to 4::i0 p. M. and 7 to 8:;iU i'. m. Ihis 
IMipular financial industry was organized under the State laws in 
June, 18^8, with a cajiital stock of JSlOD.dOO. While they -ive i)articu- 
lar attention to savings accounts on which they pay four per cent, 
interest, compounding semi-;,nniially, their commercial depart- 
ment provides for the receiving of deposits and transaction of a 
general Banking business. 

JosKi'H C. IIaut, Cashier of the Central Savings Bank, was 
born at Adrian, Jlichigan, May 3, 1843, and was educated in the 
University of Alichigan, from which he graduated in the class IHfU, 
with the degree of A. M. He engaged in the mercantile business in 
Adrian, which he continued until 1S70, when he came to Detroit 
and was engaged in various enterprises until 1888, when the Central 
Savings Bank was organized, of which he became the Cashier. 

THE DETROIT SAVINGS BANK. 
The Detroit Savings Bank was organized in 1849 and is incor- 
porated with a capital stock of $300,000. It declares a surjilus of 
over .$•,'00,000 and dei)osits aggregating $4,.'j00,000. The history of 
this bank, the oldest institution of its kiiul in the State, is replete 
witli success and an enterprising and progressive management and 
direction. It has weathered all tlie financial storms and has always 
paid its depositors when called upon. It inaugurated the principle 



of Buiall savings, and the system of " de^iosft-tokens " introduced by 

it has ])roven very beneficial. 

ElsTACE C. Bowman, Cashier of the Detroit Savings Bank, was 
born in England, Kcbruary 24, 18.-)4. He came to the United States, 
locating at Detroit, i i 1^70. His first employment here was as a 
clerk in the freight (lei>artiiient of the D. & M. R. R. In 1873 he 
became associated with the First National Bank of Detroit, as assist- 
ant bookkee.ier, being subsequently promoted to the position of 
general bookkeei)er and discount clerk, in which relations he per- 
formed faithful and eflicient service for nine years. In A|>ril, 1881, 
he entered the Detroit Savings Bank, as Assistant Cashier, and one 
year later became Cashier, an office he has since filled with great 
ability and credit. In Mr. Bowman are united the qualities and 
characteristics which make successful men of business and advance 
them to the occupancy of positions which bring signal honors and 
meritorious distinction. 

DIME SAVINGS BANK. 
This BanK was organized in April, 1884, with a capital of .$60,000, 
which lias since been increased to $200,(100. Its record has shown 
continual successes. an<l it now has a surplus of $20,.')00. December 
19, 1800, the deiiosits were .$1.(101,000, an<l January 7, 1891, $1,0.'31,000. 
The dejiositois of this hank numlier over 3.5,000. The character of 
the business transacted is commercial and savings, a specialty being 
made of the latter principle. Its success was predetermined from 
the beginning, and has far exceeded the most sanguine anticipations 
of its officers and directors, who have been indefatigably devoted to 
its interests. There lias recently been added the room in the base- 
ment of the building occupied at l.^.'i Griswold street, affording a 
requisite facility for the rapidly increasing business. 

The ofiicers are : S. JI. Cutcheon, President ; James E. Scripps, 
First Vice-President ; William H. Elliott, Second Vice-President, and 
Frederick Woolfenden, Cashier, all of whom are enterprising and 
substantial business men, and prominently identified with Detroit's 
leading commercial interests. 

Fhederick Woolfendkx, Cashier Dime Savings Bank, was 
lior 1 at Belfast, Ireland, of English jiarentage, July 7, 1S47. His 
education was obtained in the schools of M;uiehester, England. He 
came to the United States in June, ]SU:!, locating at Detroit, where 
he secured a clerkship i:i the banking office of Vincent J. Scott. He 
was afterward associated with the Banking house of Mr. David 



^ .<Ji^' 



Ifm 




EUSTACE C. BOWMAN. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



25 




FREDERICK WOOLFENDEN". 

Preston, in the capacity of teller, and with the Merchants' & Manu 
facturers' National Bank, which he left to take charge of the money 
order department of the Detroit iiost-office, serving in that relation 
for two years and being promoted to the position of Assistant Post- 
master in which he discharged incumbent duties with a zeal and 
fidelity for ten years. Leaving this office, be organized the Dime 
Savings Bank, of which he became Cashier and Manager, and has 
since maintained those relations with credit and distinction. Mr. 




Woolfenden is an ordained minister of the Reformed Episcopal 
Church, a Director and the Treasurer of the Young Men's Cliristian 
Association, and a Trustee of the Detroit College of Medicine and 
Surgery. He has shown much interest in religious and educational 
affairs, as well as in military and social organizations, having been 
a member of the Detroit Light Guard for two years, and is a member 
of the Detroit Club and other social and boating clubs. He married 
Miss Ella Raymond, the daughter of Mr. Francis Raymond, a 
pioneer settler at Detroit, and has four sons. In Mr. Woolfenden 
are united the characteristics of enterprise, sagacity and a ripe 
judgment, principles which have invested him with a merited 
prominence in financial circles. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 
Emory Wendell, President; Dexter M. Ferry, Vice-President ; 
L. E. Clark, Cashier ; Robert F. Gibbons, Assistant Cashier— 150 
Jefferson avenue. This bank wa^ organize<l in September, 18G3, and 
began its record of business on November 16 of the same year, and 
under auspices wliich have advanced its fortunes to their ]) resent 
high standard. In December, 1864, the charter was transferred to 
the State Bank of Michigan, and the offices removed to the south- 




EMORY WENDELL. 



JOHN S. SCHMITTDIEL. 

east corner of Jefferson avenue and Grisvvold street, where the 
business of the Bank continued to be transacted until marcli 1, 1869, 
when it acquired, by purchase, the National Insurance Bank and 
has since controlled its business interests at its present location, the 
southwest corner of Jefferson avenue and Griswold street. The 
first President of the Bank, and who held that oflice up to December 
37, 1861, was Philo Parsons, who was succeeded by S. P. Brady, who 
was President until January 14, 1868, when Jacob S. Farrand 
assumed the duties of the office. Prior to December 29, 1864, 
several changes were made in the relation of Cashier, Sir. Euiory 
Wendell succeeding to the position on that date. Mr. Farrand con- 
tinued as President and Mr. Wendell as Cashier until 188'^. when, 
the charter having expired, a re-organization took place and a new 
charter was granted, under which the Bank resumed business June 
19, 1882, witli a capital stock of !j!500,000, and under tlie following 
directory : Jacob S. Farrand, William B. Wesson, James McMillan, 
Emory Wendell, Alanson Sheley, D. M. Ferry, M. I. Mills, L. E. 
Clark and George V. N. Lothrop, which, with few changes, remains 
the same, Messrs. Don M. Dickinson and AViiliam J. Cliittenden taking 
the places of Messrs. M. I. Mills and William B. Wesson. Of this 



26 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



Bank Mr. Emory Wendell has been and is tlie President ; Me. L). 
31. Ferry, Vice-President and Mr. L. E. Clark, Cashier fnmi its 
foundation to the present time. The distinction of lieing one of the 
strongest and most prudently managed financial institutions in the 
country is deservedly held by the First National Bank, which is 
ably oflii^ered and which includes in its Board of Directors some 
of Detroit's wealthiest and most influential citizens. 
THE HOME S.VVINGS B.VNK. 

This institution was organized for l)usiness January 2, 1H89 and 
its record since has been indicative of continual progress. In its 
first two years of operation it reached the million dollar mark, and 
at its last published statement of condition exhibited a surplus fund 
of $1,305.93^ undivided profits of |30,410.23 ; commercial deposits of 
1513,188.07, and savings deposits of $258,029.29. It has a capital 
stock of $200,000 and total resources of $1,050,585.24. The Bank 
does a commercial and savings business and its management and 
direction are eminently i>rudent and conservative. 'Ihe Bank is 
located at 151 Griswokl street, opposite the City Hall, with a branch 
in successful o|)eration at the corner of Jlicliigan avenue and 
Twenty-third street. The officers of tlie Home Savings Bank are : 
Janu's Mc(!regor, Presi<lent ; William C. Maybury, Vice-President; 
W. J. Gould, Second Vice-President ; Joseph Taylor, Third Vice- 
President, and Jolni S. Schniittdiel, Cashier. The Board of Directors 
are : James McGregor, General Superintendent Michigan Car Com- 
pany and President Canada Malt Company ; Hon. AYilliani C. 
Maybury, E.'c-Congressman and member of the law firm of Conely, 
Maybury & Lucking ; W. J. Gould, of W. J. Gould & Company, 
wholesale grocers ; A. Ci. Bjynton, editor Free Press ; Joseph 
Taylor, Secretary Michigan Car Company ; George W. Radford, 
attorney at law ; W. II. Ellis, wholesale tobacconist ; O. W. 
Shipman, coal ; C. I. Farrell, JIanager Canada Malt Company ; 
Carlton H. Mills, of C. II. Mills & Company, John .S. Schnxittdiel, 
Ex-City Treasurer, and Cluirles \'. Hryan, of I'. V. Bryan & 
Company. 

John S. Schmittdiel, Cashier of the Home Savings Bank, was 
born of German parentage in the City of Detroit, February 6, 1850. 
His education was received in the City public schools and the Busi- 
ness University. His first entry into actual business was as a paying 
teller of the Wayne County Savings Bank, a position which he filled 
with honor and credit for fourteen years. In 18s:! he was elected to 
the office of City Treasurer and re-elected in 1885, serving two full 





( ' 




E. 11. BUTLEH. 



OEOROE E. LAWSOX. 

terms. In 1889 he organized the Home Savings Bank and became 
its Cashier, an office whicli he fills with the signal abilities acquired 
from many years' experience in the details of the Banking business. 
He was for two terms a prominent member of the school board and 
is the incumbent treasurer of that association. Mr. Schmittdiel is 
energetic and thoroughly imbued with demands of the responsibili- 
ties of his position, and is a factor, in Detroit Banking, of generally 
acknowledged importance. 

MECHANICS' B.VNK. 

E. H. Butler, Cashier of the Mechanics" Bank, of Detroit, was 
born at Detroit, in 1841, and was educated in the City public schools 
and at the State University. In 1800 he became associated with the 
Bank of William A. Butler & Company, as messenger boy, becom- 
ing, in 1803 a member of the firm. 

Upon the organization of the Mechanics' Bank under the State 
law in 1871, he was ap[)ointed Cashier and one of its Directors, 
l)ositions he has since held. In 1882 and 1884 he served as State 
Treasurer, the only public office which he lias consented to hold. 
His father, AVilliam A. Butler, was one of the oldest and most reput- 
able Bankers in the State of Michigan. The Mechanics' is one of 
the leading financial institutions of Detroit and has a capital of 
$100,000. Its officers are: E. H. Butler, Ca.shier; William A. 
Butler Jr., Assistant Cashier, who, with M, A. and Frederick K. 
Butler, constituted the Board of Directors. AVilliam A. Butler, who 
was I'resident of this Bank, died May 7, 1891. 

PEOPLE'S SAVINGS BANK, 
M. W. O'Brien, President; Anton Pulte, Vice-President; F. A. 
Schulte, Second Vice-President ; George E. Lawson, Cashier; R. W. 
Smylic, Auditor ; James T. Keena, attorney — 123 to 125 Griswold 
street. Among the financial institutions in Detroit which have 
nia<le the most substantial progress and which have secured a larj^o 
share of public patronage ami been invested with the most positive 
identity as conservative curators of public trusts, the Peoples' 
Savings Bank occupies a prominent position and one which has 
culminated from prudential management and judicious direction. 
This bank was organized in 1871, and has made a record character- 
ized by the most exemplary ct)nchict of its affairs and continuous 
progress. The published statenu'nt of its condition October 2. ]s!)0, 
showed a capital stock of $500,000 ; surplus, $100,000, and undivided 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



27 



profits of $60,849.16, with resources aggregating $6,436,491.05, 
including cash on liand and call dejiosits of $883,343.67. In addition 
to its savings department the Bank transacts a general Banking 
business ; accepts deposits subject to check ; discounts commercial 
paper and negotiates loans on approved securities and on real estate ; 
undertakes collections ; issues domestic and foreign exchange, etc. 
The officers are among Detroit's leading and influential citizens and 
the Board of Directors are eminent financial factors of Detroit's 
most substantial institutions. 

George E. Lawson. Detroit's identity as a great mart of trade, 
and its recent phenomenal great financial institutions have been 
principally achieved by its younger business men. To this class 
belongs Mr. George E. Lawson, Cashier of the Peoiiles' Savings 
Bank, of Detroit, who was born at Howell, Michigan, in December, 
1863. Immediately upon leaving college he entered the Banking 
business and has been associated for ten years witii the Peoples' 



ing office on Jefferson avenue, opposite the then Masonic Hall, 
under the firm name of David Preston & Company, the firm name 
remaining unchanged until June 1885. In the last mentioned year 
the business was incorporated under the name of "Tlie Preston 
Bank of Detroit," David Preston being the President of the corpora- 
tion until the date of his death, April, 1887. In the following June 
the present organization was incorporated under the National Bank 
Act of the United States, with a capital of $600,000, and the follow- 
ing Board of Directors ; R. W. Gillett, F. W. Hayes, C. A. Black, 
William H. Elliott, James E. Davis, James D. Standish, H. S. 
Pingree, A. E. F. White, W. D. Preston, W. R. Burt and John 
Canfleld. The capital has since been increased to $1,000,000. The 
Bank receives the accounts of Merchantile and Commercial Houses, 
Manufacturing Establishments, private individuals and firms in 
accordance with the prevailing custom of similar establishments, 
discounts approved commercial paper and loans money on satisfac- 




INTERIOR PRESToX NATIONAL BANK. 



Savings Bank, in wliich he has been successively a clerk, teller, 
Assistant Cashier and C'asliier. During his whole period of service in 
these relations be has exhibited the characteristics and abilities 
which have led up to his jiresent position, which is one he is 
eminently qualified to fill from his tliorough practical experiences 
and sterling adaptabilities to every essential of the business. His 
record as Cashier has been signalized for the most exemplary man- 
agement and the exhibition of ripe judgment and generall}' 
meritorious and conservative discretion. 

PRESTON NATIONAL BANK. 

The accompanying illustration affords a fair view of the interior 
of the office of The Preston National Bank, Campau Building, 07 and 
69 Griswold street, capital $1,000,000. R. W. Gillett, President; 
F. W. Hayes, Vice-President; J. P. Gilmore, Cashier. 

The business carried on by this Bank was established by David 
Preston in 1853. In May, of that year, Mr. Preston opened a Bank- 



tory names or collaterals at market rates. With a representative 
Board of Directors of good business judgment, thoroughly familiar 
witli the methods of conducting business, tlie needs of those keeping 
commercial accounts with tliis Bank have careful, intelligent and 
prompt consideration, and when not inconsistent with prudent 
principles of Banking, are cheerfully supplied. It is the desire of 
the management to make the Bank an important and successful 
factor in the healthy development of the commerce and manufac- 
tures of Detroit and Michigan, and thereby promote the Bank's 
interest as well as the general prosperity. 

The Bank also makes a specialty of accounts for women. The 
general custom now being for a man of means to jilace an allowance 
in the hands of his wife for the purpose of defra3'ing family exjienses, 
there has been created a demand for Banking accommodations and 
facilities for women. The Preston Bank lias a number of such 
accounts, and extends every needed facility for the transaction of 
such business. The keeping of a Bank account obviates the 



28 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



necessity of carrying moiiey in the jjockel, or having it in tlie house, 
and, of course, the danger of loss is greatly lessened. The payment 
of bills by checks practically secures a double receipt, as a check 
made jiayable to the order of the person to whom the money is due 
must be indorsed before the Bank will jiay it. "Widows and women 
having separate estates, desiring to transact their own financial 
business, are afforded every c(jnvenience of the Bank's several 
departments, and its officers cheerfully render assistance desired in 
the matter of buying and selling investment securities and informa- 
tion ujion subjects of business, value of stocks, bonds, scurities, 
etc. 

The Bank also makes a feature of "special" accounts from 
capitalists, trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, agents 
and others having funds in their possession for investment or safe 
keeping, or awaiting the happening of certain events, or the deter- 
mination of legal questions, and makes favorable arrangnients witli 
such capitalists and other, allowing proj)er rates of interest on money 
so deposited. This feature of flie Bank's business is conducted upon 
the plans jmrsued by the large English Banks — jdans which centuries 
of experience have developed and proven to bo of the most advantage 
both to the depositor and to the Banks. The Bank has its own 
accounts in London, Paris, Berlin, Frankfort-on-the-Main, Vienna, 
Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome and other principal cities of the 
European Continent, and is prepared to quote the liighest buying 
and lowest selling rates for foreign bills in large or small sums ; it 
also issues its own letters of credit, available to travelers in all ])arts 
of the world, and the same may be secured at any time during 
Banking hours. These letters have been used by a large number of 
Slicliigan jieople with ])erfect satisfaction and have ]>niven a source 
of distinction to tlie Bank. The issuance of commercial letters of 
credit for merchants and others who wish to make i)urcliases in 
foreign markets, has also i)roven one of the worthy and enterprising 
f^itures of The Preston National Bank, which has sought the most 
satisfactory syi terns in the conduct of its large and constantly 
increasing business, and Tlie Preston National is the only Bank in 
the State which conducts all branches of the Banking business 
ilirectly in its own name without the intervention of i>tlier Banks or 
financial institutions. The Bank now issues to travelers in the 
United States and other portions of Nortli America, Traveler's Cir- 
cular Notes and Letters of Introduction and Identification. These 
notes are immediately availal)le in several hundred cities and towns 
in the United States, Dominion of Canada and Mexico. They are 
issued by no other B.ink, and afford the best, safest and most satis- 
factory means for tourists to carry funds, as they overcome all 
(lifHcnlties experienced in "getting identified," as well {is the uncer- 
tiinty about getting drafts cashed because of the hesitation on the 
p.irt of Banks to casli drafts drawn by other Banks and between 
which there are no direct business relations. The Preston National 
has definite arrangenier.ts made witli all of its hundreds of corres- 
pondents in North America, and furnishes purchasers of its Traveler's 
Circular Notes with a list tliereof. Recognizing the ini])ortance and 
value of confining all knowledge of the transaction between the 
Bank and its customers, the Directors of the Preston National 
Bank forbid all of its officers and clerks from disclosing transactions 
of any of the Bank's customers under a penalty of immediate 
dismissal. 

The buililing ocrii|iied is one of the handsomest and l)est 
appointed in Detroit, its office accomodations being esjiecially well 
adapted and affording every convenience and facility for the trans- 
action of the various details of business of the Bank's several 
departments. 

PENINSULAR HAVINGS BANK. 
This highly successful Banking institution was organized in 
1887, and began business September 1"), of tlie same year. It has a 
capital of !i;:S.')ll,<)0(l, deposits of ^1,2.)1),()()0, and undiviiled profits and 
surplus of ^41,000, though it has paid, in cash dividends, 21 per cent, 
in three years. Its management has been exceptionally jwogressive 
and promotive of the best financial results, while remaining suffi- 
ciently conservative to satisfy prudent investors. It transacts a 
comnieicial and savings business, jiaylng four jier cent, interest on 
savings dei]osits, and solicits commercial accounts. It has outgrown 
its rpiarteis at 04 (iriswold street, and will soon oeeupy elegant 
offices on Fort street west, having purchased the C. J. Whitney & 



Company's building fnr S;100,000. Wlien this has been entirely 
remodeled ami refitted it will constitute one of the most CDinmodious 
and convenient Banking establishments in the city, ami will be 
known as the Peninsular Bank Building, part i>f it being reserved 
for professional offices. 

The Bank's officers are as follows: Alexander Chapaton Jr., 
President; John M. Dvvyer, First Vic-President; Joseph Perrien, 
Second Vic-e-President ; Joseph B. Moore, Cashier ; J.H.Johnson, 
Assistant Cashier, 

JosKi'H Bektiiki.I'.t Moore, Cashier of the Peninsular .Savings 
Bank, was born at Detmit, SeiittMiiber l"), ISKi. The paternal grand- 
father of Jacob Wilkie Moore (Joseph B. Moore's fatlier), was (ieneral 
"William Moore, of revolutionary distinction, who came to this 
country in 1770, settling at Bolton. Massachusetts. The pres- 
ent generation is, therefore, entitled to the strong attributes of 
character transmitted from English and Scotch progenitors and 
their New England descendants. Mr. Moore had a thorough eiluca- 
tion in the Detroit public schools, graduating from the high school. 

In ixti'i he ol)tained the iiosition of Cashier in the dry goods 
house of E. S. Parker, and soon after became assistant bookkeeoer 




JOSEPH I'.. MOORE. 

in the wholesale house of Allan Shelden & Company. But he hail a 
natural predilection for the Banking business, and, in ISUU, obtained 
the position of corresponding clerk in the First National Bank at 
Jlilwaukee, "Wisconsin. By strictest attention to his duties and a 
tireless aiiibitlon to ac(iuiie a full knowledge of the details incident 
to the business he was pursuing, he was soon advanced to the iiosi- 
tion of teller. After two yearj in Milwaukee, he returned to Detroit, 
to accept the position of discount clerk in the First National Bank, 
discharging his duties with great fidelity and efficiency for ten 
years. In 1878 he purchased the interest of Jlr. "W. D. Hooper, in 
the firm of Jarves & Hooper, fertilizer manufacturers, of this city, 
and severed his connection v.ith tlio Bank to incoriiorate the Michi- 
gan Carbon Works, capitalized at .^si),0i10; Jlr. Deming Jarves was 
made President; Mr. Moore, Secretary and Treasurer. He was a, 
potent factor in building up this C iiiipany till lss8, when he with- 
drew to organize the Peninsular .S.ivings Bank. Of this iiistitulioii 
he became tlie Cashier and one of its Directors. 

STATE SAVINGS BANK. 

This prominent and successful Bankliiginstltution was organized 
and incorporated in 1N83, with a capital stock of ^ir)0,00n, wliicli, in 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



29 



1887, was increased to $300,000. It does a commercial and savings 
business, deals in foreign exchange, and issues letters of credit, 
uvaiUible in anj' part of tlie world. Its career lias been marked 
by prudent, sagacious and conservative nianagciuent and direction, 
and it has acquirod a position wliicli invests it witli the character of 
[I solid financial identity. Its officers are G. H. Russel, President ; 
M. S. Smith, Vice-President, and R. S. Mason, Cashier. Its Board 
jf Directors is composed of the following prominent and well- 
known gentlemen : Hon. R, A. Alger, Ex-Governor of Michigan ; 
I. K. Burnhani, of Burnham, Stoejiel & Companj- ; H. M. Camjibell, 
Attorney and Counselor; W. C. Colburn, Secretary and Treasurer 
Dttroit Bridge and Iron Works; C. L. Freer, Vice-President ai.d 
rreasurur Peninsular Car Company; Frank J. Hecker, President Peni- 
nsular Car Company ; H. B. Ledyard, President Slichigan Central 
Railroad Gomp my ; Hugh McMillan, President Commercial National 
Bank ; W. C. McMillan, General ]\Ianager Michigan Car Company ; R. 
5. Mason, Casliier ; H. C. Parke, President Parke, Davis & Company ; 
jreorge H. Russel, President of the Bank ; Henry Russel, General 
attorney Michigan Central Railroad ; M. S. Smith, President Ameri- 
can Exchange National Bank, and Charles Stinchlield, of Whitney 
S: Stinchfield; Attorneys for the Bank, Messrs. Walker & Walker. The 
lew quarters of the Bank in the Hammond Building to which a 
■euioval was made in 1890, are fitted ni) in handsome style and the 
ippointments are of such a character as charm every visitor. 
Svery necessary facility is provided and affords convenien- 
;es and accommodations for the Banking business vinexcelled in 
,he city or State. The last statement of the State Savings Bank, 
ssued May 4, 1891, exhibited resources of |2,493,595.10 ; surplus and 
individed profits of $05,375.94, and deposits of $3,214,104.21. 

R. S. Mason, Cashier State Savings Bank, was born in Ireland 
n 1839, and came with his parents to Michigan. His fatlier, after 
;onducting farming operations for sfime time in Greenfield and 
Dearborn townships, in Wayne county, Michigan, obtained a 
josition on the editorial staff of the Detroit Tribune and moved his 
amily to this city. Mr. Mason began his business career in 1855, in 
lie crockery and glassware establishment of F. Wctmore & Com- 
)any, then the most extensive dealers in that line in Detroit. He 
■emained with this house for one year, when lie became messenger 
or the Michigan Insurance Bank, in the building now occupied by 
he First NaJonal Bank. From that time to the present he has 
)een continuouslv identified with Detroit's Banking interests. He 





R. S. MASON. 



FREDERICK MARTIN. 

filled the position of jjaying teller in the First National Bank from 
1809 to 1883, and upon the organization of the State Savings Bank 
in the latter year, was called to the Cashiership of that institution, 
which office he has since held with commendable fidelity and con- 
spicuous ability. During Mr. Mason's association with the Banking 
business, covering a period of nearly tliirty-five years, he has 
invariably exhibited the most signal evidences of a faithful, honest 
and unimpeacliable character, and an example of unselfish and per- 
sistent devotion to confided trusts and interests. His intimate 
knowledge of the Banking business in all o£ its details has rendered 
him an important and valuable factor in the State Savings Bank, 
and in other relations in which he has served, notably as Treasurer 
of the Young Men's Christian Association during the time of the 
erection of its new building. Mr. Mason was for years an active 
member of the Detroit Light Guard and attained the rank of First 
Lieutenant. He was married in January 1805 to Miss Pliebe Reilly, 
of Brookl3'n, New York, and has three sons. The family residence 
is a handsome villa on Canfield avenue. Mr. Mason is a member of 
the oflicial board of the Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, 
of which all of liis family are members. He is conscientious in all 
of his relations and an upright and honorable man 

THIRD NATIONAL BANK. 
This Bank was organized in June, 1886, with a capital of $300,- 
000, and has had an eminently successful career due to the prudent, 
sagacious, enterprising and progressive management and direction 
of its affairs. The business transacted is of a strictly commercial 
character and embraces large dealings with State Banks and 
Bankers. By the last iiublished statement of its condition, 
December 19, 1890, it declared a surplus and undivided profits of 
$30,000 and deposits aggregating $1,000,000. The Third National 
Bank ably sustains its generally recognized identity of conservatism 
and jirogress and ranks among the soundest financial institutions in 
the country. Its officers are: H. P. Cristy, President; J. L. 
Hudson, Vice-President ; Frederick Marvin, Cashier, and J. A. 
Dresser, Assistant Cashier. Its Board of Directors is composed of 
the following well known and influential business men of Detroit: 
William H. Stevens, capitalist ; H. P. Cristy, pine lands ; J. L. 
Hudson, clothing ; W. J. Gould, of W. J. Gould & Company, whole- 
sale grocers; F. B. Dickerson, of F, B. Dickerson & Company, 
publishers ; Frank E, Snow, real estate, and President Riverside 



30 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



storage and Cartage Company ; W. A. Jackson, managing director 
Bell Tfle|ihoiie Company ; T. B. Ruyl, of T. B. Kayl & Company, 
lianUvaro ; Frederick Slarvin, Cashier, and De Forest Paine, 
attorney. 

FuEDERlcK JIakvin, Ca.sliier of tlie Third National Bank, of 
Detroit, was born at Cooperstown, New York, November 7, 1W4. 
The death of his parents when he was very young deprived him of 
educational advantages, and he began his business career at twelve 
years of age as an oflice boy in the emi>loy of ^Vlexander McPlierson 
& Company, Bankers, at Howell, Jlichigiin. He came to Detroit in 
his seventeenth year and entereil the Second National Bank as a 
clerk, becoming, when twenty-two, a teller in the Jleichants' & 
Manufactmers' National Bank and after faitliful and diligent 
service therein for eleven years. Assistant Cashier and Cashier. In 
March, 1886, he resigned the Cashiership of tlie Ulercliants' & 
Manufacturers' National Bank, and in Jime of the same year, organ- 
ized the Third National Bank, of which he is one of the largest 
stockholders and the incumbent Cashier. Mr. Marvin is otherwise 
interested in various relations; is the Vice-President of the Clover 
Condensed Milk Company, of Northville. Michigan: Vice-President 
of the Michigan Lubricator Company, and Secretary and lYeasurer 




S. DOW KI.WOOO, 

of the ifanitob.a Fish Coini)aiiy. Ho owns considerable timbered 
property in "Wisconsin, and, with a syndicate, large tracts of land in 
Texas. He is a charter member of the Rushmere Fishing Club, the 
Detroit Club, and several other similar organizations. He is also 
one of the Directors of the Detroit Board of Trade. At the State 
Convention at Grand Rapids, in October, 1S90, he came within eight 
votes of receiving the nomination for State Treasurer. He takes an 
active interest in politics and is a staunch Democrat. At the age of 
twenty-two be was married to a daughter of Judge Harmon and 
has one child — an interesting and handsome little girl. Ho resides 
iu a pleasant home at 519 Second avenue. 

WAYNE COUNTY SAVINGS BANK. 
The building occupied by the AVayne County Savings Bank, at 
33 and IM Congress street west, ij one of the best constructed and 
liandsomest iu the city, alTording every requisite for the transactiim 
of the large business which its constantly increasing patronage 
brings to it. "When it was organized — in October, IsTl — its capital 
was $50,000, now it is .^150,000. Its last published statement showed 
a surplus fund and undivided profits of $404,673.43 ; savings deposits 



of $4,969,547.29, and its total resources as $5,525,215.89. The most 
positi.e security is furnished for deix>sitors. Twenty per cent, of 
the dei)osits is held in cash and the balance is let out in loans, on the 
Bank's conservative principle of reijuiring the most unquestioned 
security in all of its transactions. Interest is reckoned semi-annually 
and a<lded to the jirincipal, when not drawn out. Deposits are 
received in the amount of one dollar and upwards, and interest 
allowed at the rate of four per cent, per annum. 

The Bank's officers are men of sterling character and include : 
S. Dow Elwood. President; William Stagg, Assistant Treasurer. 

S. Dow Elwood, President of the Wayne County Savings Bank, 
numbers among his i>aternal ancestors the earlj- adventurers from 
Holland, who settled in New York, then Manhattan He was born 
in Otsego County, New York, December 25, 1834, the home of his 
parents being located near the pictures(iue valley so famed in story 
bj- Cooper. His father dying while he was a young boy, his mother 
removed to Oneida Castle, New York. His progress at the school 
here gave him the position of teacher at the age of seventeen. In 
18-13 he went to Rochester, New York, where his two uncles and his 
two elder brothers were living, and secured a clerkship in a mercan- 
tile business. In the following year he was appointe I to a position 
in the post-office, and in about a year was assigned as mail agent in 
the United States JIail Seriice, contimiing in tliis position till a 
change occurred in the ailministration in 1849. He followeil in the 
train of the California gold seekers iu 1H49, engaged in traffic with 
the mining camps, and subsetpieiitly operated an express line 
between San Francisco and the southern mining regions by way oi 
Stockton. He left California iu about a year and returned to his 
Rochester home, where he was married to the daughter of the Hon. 
E. M. Parsons of that city. Soon after his marriage he came to 
Detroit, where he conducted a book and stationery business till 1866. 
In 1867 he engaged in l)anking at Petrolia, in the oil region of Canada, 
a relation he preserved for four years, securing the experience and 
ripe judgment which has since been of such inestinuible value to 
him. Mr. Elwood originated the ])lan of the foundation for the 
present Wayne County Savings Bank, in 1871, in which he succeeded 
in interesting many of Detroit's wealthy and prominent citizens. 
He was made the first Secretary and Treasurer of the institution, 
positions which he held up to the time of the death of its President, 
Mr. Wesson. His elevation to the Presidency was a fitting recogni- 
tion of the services he hxd rendered. His time and talents always 
have been emi)loyed in making his Bank one of tlie strongest and 
best manageci finaii<-ial corporations in existence, and has proved 
not only a useful citizen of Detroit, but an ni)right and honorable 
man in all things. He is one of the two surviving members of the 
Union Lodge of Masons, founded in ls.-)3, and is a Unitarian in his 
religious views. 

S. T. WILLIAMS, 
Expert Accountant and Auditor, was born at Cin<'innati, Ohio, 
May 15, 1854, and was educated in the public schools of that city. 
Before his eighteenth year he held the position of account current 
clerk in the Third National Bank of Cincinnati. He won rapid 
promotion from one position to another, and at the age of twenty- 
three, having filled the desk up to first assistant receiving teller, he 
resigned and engaged in the profession of accountant and auditor. 
In the latter connection Mr. Williams has achieved the most notable 
prominence and distinction in services for cor|)orations in Ohio, 
Indiana and Kentucky. Five years ago Jlr. Williams was appointed 
exjiert examiner for the Board of Revision of the City of Cincinnati, 
and during his service in this connection in the various municipal 
offices was paid fees closely aiiproximating lj;30,0()0. This was the 
occasion of the extinction of the Board of Public Works, and the eleva- 
tion of Jlr. Williams to the high position he thereby gained. He was 
called upon to assist in adjusting the affairs of the fiilelity National 
Bank of Cincinnati at the time of the failure of that institution, and 
for the past three years was employed as auditor of the Northern 
Assurance Company, of London, England. Mr. Williams was also 
emjiloyed by the Cincinnati Hamilton & Dayton Railroad in tlie com- 
pilation of data and in the investigation of the accounts of Henry S. 
Ives, the young Naptdeon of Finance. For the jiast two years he 
devoted much time and attention to inventing labor-saving systems 
of accounts for mercantile and manufacturing concerns. His income 
from this source was over $30,000 the past year. ib\ Williams has 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




S. T. WILLIAMS. 

recently moved to Detroit and is engaged in perfecting the Nickel 
Savings Stain [) .System, wliich is in use by tlie Citizen's Savings Bank 
and whicli lie has brought to a degree of perfection beyond any 
provious attempt. He occupies a magnificent suite of rooms in the 
Hammond Building. 

HOME BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. 

This Association was organized in March, 1890, but did not com- 
mence active operations until July of the same year, its first series 
of stock being dated August 1, 1800. Its authorized capital stock is 
$25,000,000, in shares of .|100 each, to be accumulated by monthly 
payments of either one dollar or fifty cents per share. The one 
dollar installment shares are estimated to matui'e in from five and one- 
half to six years, and the fifty-cent-installment shares in about eight 
and one-half years. The one dollar installment shares may be jiaid 
for in advance by the i^ayment of Sfo-t per share. The fifty-cent 
installment shares may be withdrawn with all accumulated profits 
when they reach the value of .fijO per share, or tliey njay be carried 
on to maturity at the option of the holder, a feature possessed only 
by this Association in this state. None but non-negotiable first 
mortgages are taken for security, except that temporary loans may 
be made to the stockholders upon the stock of the Association at not 
to exceed 8.5 per cent, of its withdrawal value. 

Any member may withdraw from the Association before the 
maturity of his or her shares by giving thirty days notice in writing 
to the Secretary of his or her intention so to do, and shall be entitled 
to receive the full amount of installments paid, less the admission fee 
and fines unpaid at the date of such notice ; also, to receive interest 
at tlie rate of six per cent, if the shares have been in force three 
months and under two years ; over two years and under four years, 
seven per cent. ; over four years and under maturity, eight per cent. 

The mortgages may be paid up and discliarged at any time or 
$100 or more may be paid at any time and future monthly payments 
of borrowers correspondingly reduced, a feature first adopted by 
this Asoociation in this State. The Association has no separate 
"expense fund" and the business is conducted on the most con- 
servative principles. Fifty-thousand dollars in non-negotiable 
mortgages have already been accumulated, and nearly all on Detroit 
property. It has more shares in force in Detroit than any other 
Association, excepting only the oldest Association in the City from 
the list. Numerous homes in all parts of the city, varying from the 



mechanic's cozy five-room-house to the more pretentious modern 
residence of the well-to-do business or professional man, attest its 
value to the city. The officers and Directors are as follows : John 
Western, President ; R. J. McLaughlin, First Vice-President ; J. B. 
Kenned)', M. D., Second Vice-President; C. H. Prescott, Secretary; 
C. O. Parnielee, Treasurer ; Frank T. Lodge, Attorney ; C. H. 
Western, Superintendent of Agents. The office is in the Whitney 
Opera Hou.se Block, and the Association has twelve branch offices 
located in various parts of the city for the receipt of monthly 
installments. 

John Western, tlie original promoter of Building and Loan Asso- 
ciations in Detroit, was born and reared on a Michigan farm vintil he 
he was eighteen years of age. During his school culture he taught 
several terms and was graduated from the State Normal School in 1881. 
At the age of twentj'-one he became superintendent of schools in his 
native township, and afterwards taught in the high school three years, 
at the same time studying law. While acting as clerk of Genesee 
County in 188.5 he was admitted to the bar. He practiced the legal 
profession at Flint until 1889, and while a resident of that town served 
as Secretary of a ]irosperous Building Association. His attention hav- 
ing been attracted to the Building and Loan organizations coming into 
popular favor all over the country, he directed his investigations to the 
larger Eastern and Western establisliments, and selected his plans 
from tliose promising the best systems of co-operation and equity to 
both investor and borrower. Detroit appearing, as the metropolis of 
the State, to offer the most fitting location for the eventuation of liis 
l^rojects in the direction of a Building and Loan Association, he 
adopted that city as his home. He is tlie President of the Home 
Building and Loan Association, of Detroit. He is a man of great 
energy ; a critical judge of character, and an organizer of more than 
ordinary ability. 

MERCHANTS' AND MANUFACTURERS' NATIONAL BANK, 
T. H. Hinchman, President; D. Whitney Jr., Vice-President: 
H. L. O'Brien, Cashier ; W. E. Reilly, Assistant Cashier — 91 Griswold 
street. This Bank was organized originally under the State Bank- 
ing Law as the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank and was incor- 
porated June 1, 1809, with a capital of $100,000. July 13, 1877, it 
was re-organized as a national Bank, with a capital of $300,000, 
wliich, July 2, 1882, was increased to $500,000. At the close of 
business, October 2, 1890, its published statement of condition 




JOHNvWESTERN. 



V 3^ 



DETROIT IN HfSTORY AND COMMERCE. 



KhoivcJ total rjsources of $2,371,298.54 and a surplus fund, in excess 
of its (Mjiilul of SjioOO.OOO, of $100,000, and undivided profits of 
$.30,082.88. The k*'"''!""' management of the aifairs of tliis Bank 
has been conservative, jirudent and sagacious. Its President, tlie 
Hon. T. II. Jlinchnian, is tlie senior of the wliolesale grocery and 
ilrug firm i)f T. II. Hinclinian & Sons; an illustrons e.\])onent of the 
Hanking Ijusiness, and the author of the justly meritorious work, 
"Banks and Banking in Michigan." The Vice-President, David 
Wliitney Jr., is President of tlie Michigan Fire & Marine Insurance 
Company, and one of the most extensive lund)er dealers in Michi- 
gan. The Board of Directors, wliich includes ^lessrs. llinchman 
anil Whitney, is composed of the following well-known and higldy 
reputable business men of Detroit; N. G. Williams, of Williams 
Malt Company: .Jerome Croul, of Croul Brotliers, tanners and 
leatlier ; W. ] I. • Bi'ace, of Phelps, Brace & Company, wholesale 
8;rocers ; H. K. White, of D. M. Ferry & Company, seed." ; George 



DRUGS AND CHEMICALS. 

In the relation of Drugs and Chemicals Detroit possesses a 
remarkable distinction and one superinduced by the position tliat 
city holds from the nature and vast extent of the industry. As 
among tlie e.ssentialsof commerce as supi)lying the needs of medica- 
tion and attendant considerations, this department is invested with 
especial interest and importance, and places manufacturers and 
general business in a conspicuous position. 

As being the Beat of the two largest institutions in the country 
devoted to the manufacture of Drugs, Chemicals and Druggists' 
Sundries, Detroit holds a position in this line invested with the 
highest consideration. These establishments, together with various 
others, command .a trade with the world; give great scope to tlie 
operation of capital, and supply thousands of laborers with the 
means of subsistence. 



^J-' 




-m 



"^^^^ 



PAKICI-;, liAVIS .^- COMI'A.W'S l.ABUUATOKY. 



H. Russel, of Russel Wluel and Foundry Company ; II. M. Cainiiliill, 
of Kussel & Caniiibell, attorneys, and Charles Stinchfield, liimber. 

MiLELLAX AND .WDERSON. 
This tirm was established May 1, 1N7~. The business is private 
Banking: is e.xclusively confined to commercial transaction, and is 
conducteil uiioii the ])laii of national and state Banks. The mem- 
bers of the firm are Messrs. .Viidrew McLellan and George Amlerson, 
who are intimately ideiililiecl with the detaUs of the Banking liusi- 
ness. Tl ley have ample •apital and are prudent and conscu'vative. 
They have achieved a notalile success and their business li:is been 
createil entirely without solicitation. They keep an account with 
the Bank of Scotland, in London, England, a very strong financial 
institution, org-.nized in 1G9.5, also Jlechanics" National Bank, New 
York. Slessrs. McLellan and Anderson give their entire time and 
attenticin to the business in D^tioit. Their offices are located in tlic' 
Moffat Building, 119 Griswold street. 



PARKE, DAVIS & COMPANY 

Manufacturing Chemists. Manufacturers of Pharmaceutical 
Preparations, Fine Chemicals, Digestive Ferments, Empty Cajisules 
and other Gelatin Products, Pressed Herbs, and Importers and 
Dealers in Crude Vegetable Drugs. From 1807 to 1873 this organi- 
zation occujiied humble (piarters at the corner of lleiiiy and Cass 
streets. In 1S73, in order to aeipiire more e.\tendeil facilities, it 
removed to its present site. 

The superior excellence and rclialiility of its medicinal products, 
as also by its j)olicy of observing the mutual rights and obligations of 
the wholesale and retail druggist and the pliysician, recjuired such suc- 
cessive additions to its buildings, that the laboratory and offices, in 
which G!)5 people find employment, now cover over five acres of 
ll.ior space, while the stability of its financial concerns is backed by 
a paiil-up capital stock of ^1,000,000. The same exigencies have 
necessitated the establishment of branch offices at New York 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



3^ 



Kansas City, London, England, and the branch laboratory a,t 
Walker ville, Ontario. 

Tlie laboratories are all equipped with the most approved appar- 
atus for the manufacture of medicinal products, and every aid in 
machinery is ait'orJed skilled employees to assist in producing the 
finest pharmaceutical preparations possible. 

The building situated on the corner of Fourth and Abbott 
streets, is wholly occupied in the manufacture of empty gelatine 
capsules, marketed by this firm, who first introduced this efficient 
form of disguising nauseous medicines to the medical profession. 

In addition to the manufacture and sale of medicinal products, 
Parke, Davis & Company, conduct a very large business in the 
importation and sale of crude drugs in original bales and packages. 
No other house has the facilities wliich this enjoys for securing full 
■stocks of crude drugs, properly identified, gathered and cured in 
their respective habitats, by its own agents and correspondents. 
These transactions are carried on through the New York branch 
which, located first at 60 Cedar street, was obliged to move for more 



Robusta, Guarana, Coca, Verba Santa, Tonga, Manaca, Chekan, 
Boldo, Pichi and Jaborandi. Several of these have found a place 
already in the Pharmacopoeias of America and Great Britain, and it 
is not easy to understand on what principle of selection some of the 
others Jiave been ignored. 

FREDERICK STEARNS & COMPANY. 

Detroit, among other things, is noted for having within its 
limits the largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical preparations of 
any city in the United States. Of these none is more important 
than the house of Frederick Stearns & Company, which was estab- 
lished in ISoo by Frederick Stearns, and incorporated in 1882. It 
has a fully jiaid up capital of $200,000 ; employs over .500 persons in 
its works, and sends its products not only to every portion of the 
United States, but every important region on tlie face of tlie globe. 
Tlie building used as the laboratory by Frederick Stearns & Com- 
pany is the largest of its kind in the world. It occupies one entire 
square, 300 feet front by 180 feet deejj, and consists of three stories 




FREDERICK STEARNS & COMPANY S LABORATORY. 



room to GO Maiden Lane and 21 Liberty street, later to add 218 
Pearl street for warehouse purposes, and has now again been obliged 
to seek still more room in tlie large building— 90, 92 and 94 Maiden 
Lane, and 9 and 11 Cedar street. The New York brancli also affords 
a convenient source of supply of the pharmaceutical products of the 
house to the Eastern trade, as well as an available forwarding point 
for the benefit of its European customers, who are many. 

The seed from which has sprung the immense business now 
attained has been noted. The secret of the growth of this house, 
which is plienomenal even when compared with any manufacturing 
business in the world, lies in three underlying principles of its busi- 
ness metliods : The superior quality and uniformity of its products ; 
its devotion to the mutual interests of pharmacists and physicians ; 
and its enterprise in the investigation of new drugs, eligible forms 
of exhibiting old remedies, and improved processes of manufacture. 
These investigations have resulted in bringing to the attention of 
the medical profession such remedies as Cascara Sagrada, Grindelia 

[3] 



and a cellar. It is situated on Twenty-first street, near Baker, and 
having been built for the express purpose of a manufacturing phar- 
macy, it is a model one in every respect, and is fitted with all the 
latest pharmaceutical appliances and machinery. 

Frederick Stearns, the founder of the house, after having 
devoted himself to active business for thiriy-two years, retired from 
tlie same at the close of 188G. He was succeeded, as President of 
the corporation by liis eldest son, Frederick K. Stearns, who has 
been connected with tlie business for over fifteen years, and has 
practically managed it for this period. 

In addition to their immense works at Detroit, Frederick Stearns 
& Compan}', have a laboratory at Windsor, Ontario, which, 
although not as extensive as the home establishment, is fully 
ecpiipped in every particular for pharmaceutical work. Their New 
York office is 211 Pearl street. New York City, at which point they 
attend to their own importing and exporting, and handle their 
Eastern trade. In addition to manufacturing a full line of pharmaceu- 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




fkki>i:kick k. steakns. 

tical iirciiHiiitioiis, sulIi as Pills, Fluid Extracts, Elixirs, etc., etc., tliey 
have a sijeoialty called "Non-Secret" medicines, which they original eil 
and first offered to the tradi; in 1876. "Non-Secret" medicines arc 
sini[)Iy popular medicines, put up without secrecy for liouseliold use, 
the formula being printed on each package, and are for the exj)ress 
purpose of re|)Iacing secret and ijuack nostrums. The merit and 
popularity of these medicines may lie understood when it is stated 
that nearly every retail druggist is the United States and Canada 
handles them, that the largest himses in Australia, South America, 
Central America, Mexico and India, push them in preference to 
patent medicines. Thirty-five traveling representatives are 
employed by this firm for the United States alone ; two representa- 
tives in South America, as well as one in Mexico and Central 
America. They have establislied agencies in London, Spain, New 
Zealand, Panama, Buenos Ayres, Valparaiso and tinee in Australia, 
besides a resident traveling salesman m the latter country. They 
do business with the retail drug trade alone, and have on their 
books, as regidar customers over 20,000 names. There are few insti- 
tutions that spreail the name and fame of Detroit abroad nu)re than 
does that of Frederick Stearns & Company. 

Frederick K. Stearns, the President of Frederick Stearns 
& Conipanj', has been connected with the business since IsT.j, at 
which time he left the Univei'sity of Michigan, in the middle of his 
junior jear, to take an active interest in the manufacturing part of 
the business. Determined to learn the busitiess thoroughly in all its 
branches, lie interested himself, i)ersonally, in every department 
until he had thoroughly acquired a practical knowledge of all its 
workings. For the first few years he devoted himself entirely to 
the nuiiiufacturing part, and there is no single department in the 
entire institution that he is not familiar with. 

In 1880, owing to the absence abroad of Sir. F. Stearns (wlio up 
to that time had taken charge of the financial part of the business), 
he (F. K. Steartis) was obliged to relincjuisli the superintendence of 
the laboratory jiroper, and devote his attention to the departments 
of traveling, correspondence and finances. For the fifteen years 
that Mr. F. K. Stearns has been connected with the business, he has 
been absent from his duties but a few weeks at the most at any 
time, and to liis careful attention and management in no small 
degree is due the present successful and prosjiurous condition of the 
house of Frederick Stearns & Company. Mr. Stearns is still a young 



man — thirty-six years of age — and, in popular parlance, is what 
might be termed a "hustler." 

Outside of business, Mr. Stearns" main recreation and pleasure 
consists of amateur athletics and music. He is President of tlie 
Detroit Athletic Club, which has an active mend)ersliip of 750, 
includes Detroit's best people, and which, inside of a few months 
will reach its limit of one thousand. Its splendid grounds, and fine 
club house are too familiar to Detroiters to need further comment 
here. Among its most famous athletes are John Owen Jr., champion 
amateur of the world at 100 yards, whose record of nine anil four- 
fifths secends, made at \V'ashington at the last meeting of the 
American Athletic Union, is without a parallel, and Fred T. 
Ducharme, amateur champion of the United States at the hurdles, 
in both one hundred and twenty and two hundred and twenty yards, 
and wlio won his title at Washington at the same time. Mr. 
Stearns is also President of the Detroit Musical Society, the most 
prominent and oldest established choral singing society in Detroit, 
which has an active membership of two hundred and a large honor- 
ary membership. Four years ago Mr. Stearns was President of the 
Detroit National League I5a.se Hall Club, which won not only the 
championship of the league, but also wrested the world's champion- 
ship from the ".St. Louis Hrowns." He was nuiinly instrumental in 
getting the then celelirated 'Miig 4," thereby forming the imcleus of 
the strongest ball team whicli ever represented any American city, 
and which, unipiestionably, greatly extended Detroit's fame abroad. 
On the theory that nothing succeeds like success. Mr. Stearns may 
be fitly called a successful man, as wdiatever he has ever interested 
himself in, in business or outside, he has always made a success. 
JOHNSON, NELSON & COMPANY. 

Among the manufacturing houses for which Detroit is justly 
famous, none have achieved more marked and rapid success than 
Johnson, Nelson & Company, Manufacturing Chemists, the pro- 
ducts of whose laboratory are to be found in nearly every drug store 
in the United States, and throughout several of the foreign count: ies. 
Tlie business having grown to the limit of the present plant, and 
still rapidly increasing, the lirm is now looking for a suitable site, 
having plans prepared for an extensive new laboratory, which will 
be made as perfect and complete as possible in every i)articular. 
The establishment of this concern dates from 1880, and the otHcers 
are: W. C. Johnson, President: H. G. Baker, Vice-Presider.l : E. 
11. Nelson, Secretary and Treasurer. These gentlemen liave all been 




w. C, .JOHNSON. 



!•:. II. NELSON. 



H. (J. BAKEK 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



35 



before the trade for many years past, and by their strict adherence 
to tlie principles of fair dealing, integrity and courteous treatment, 
have established themselves firmly in the confidence and esteem of 
customers and competitors alike. From their present history, briefly 
given below, it will be seen that the practical experience of tlie 
executive officers of the concern fully justifies the "confidence placed 
in their management and personal supervision of the business. Mr. 
Johnson is a graduate of tlie University of Michigan, class of 1878, 
and shortly after finishing his college course, began his practical 
experience in the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations, 
which extends tlierefore over a period of thirteen years and covers 
all branches of the business. During the last ten years of this time 
he has had charge of the financial affairs of his firm and will con- 
tinue to attend to tliis department of the business. He is also inter- 
ested in two of Detroit's strongest banks and other outside enter- 
prises, but devotes his time exclusively to the business of which he 
is President. Mr. Nelson is a grad- 
uate of Belleville College and the 
Ontario College of Pharmacy, and 
has been continuously engaged in 
the drug business in its various 
branches, both retail and manufac- 
turing, for the past fifteen years. He 
has a very wide personal acquaint- 
ance among the druggists of the i 
United States, won in former days 
on the road, when he earned the ' 
title of "the banner salesman." 
He attends to the firm's interests in ; 
the management of the large force 
of traveling salesmen it employs, 
for which he is eminently qualified 
by his thorougli knowledge of the 
country, energy, and natural ca- 
pacity for getting business. Mr. 
Baker's career in the drug business 
commenced in tlie year 1809, and 
in his continued experience of 
nearly twenty-three years, he lias 
become known as the best posted 
drug man between New York and 
Chicago, and thoroughly alive to 
the demands of the trade, whicli 
abundantly testifies to his fitness 
for the responsible position he occu- 
pies as buyer. He also takes the 
general supervision of the labora- 
tory and to him is largely due the 
firm's reputation for the prompt 
and satisfactory execution of all 
orders. 

CHARLKS WPJ.GHT MEDICINE 
COMPANY. 

Charles Wright, of the Charles 

Wright Medicine Company, was '*—" -■' 

born in AVolcott, Nev/ York, in 1850. 
He removed with his parents to 
Michigan in 1856, and was educated in the State Normal School at 
Ypsilanti and in the University of Michigan, where he studied 
chemistry. Subsequently he spent several years in laboratory work 
in Detroit. In 1874 he secured employment with tlie wholesale drug 
liouse of McKesson & Robljins, of New York Cit}', as traveling sales- 
man, filling that position until 1880, wlien he came to Detroit, where 
he established a business under the firm name of Cliarles Wright & 
Company, for the manufacture of non-secret and pharmaceutical 
preparations. In March, 1800, the business was incorporated as the 
Charles Wright Medicine Company, absorbing the Rheumatic Syrup 
Company, of Jackson, Michigan, with a paid-up cajjital of .f 100,000. 
The three buildings, 15, 17 and 19 Jefferson avenue, are commodious 
and well appointed with requisite facilities, including the most 
modern machinery and appliances for manufacturing, with a cellar 
and a large storage warehouse in the rear. Emjiloyment is given to 
200 liands and the annual output aggregates $500,000 in value. The 



^k<ati!U!ifr.&im'^is»at,^ 



CHARLSS WRIGHT. 



business has been of phenomenal expansion, and has attained a 
remarkable success. The trade territory embraces the United 
States and various foreign countries, including Australia. The 
company issue a montlily publication entitled "The Family 
Gleaner," to represent Wriglit's Family Remedies, and the Ameri- 
can Pharmacist, of general interest to the drug trade, published by 
the American Pharmacist Publishing Company, of which Charles 
Wright is President. It has a large and growing circulation in the 
United States and Australia. 

FREDERICK F. INGRAM & COMPANY. 

Pharmaceutical Preparations, Perfumes, and Toilet Articles, a 
complete line of reliable Non-Patented Remedies, with formula 
and buyers' address, 116 Jefferson avenue. The firm was estab- 
lished January 1, 1883, as Milburn & Williamson, and May 23, 
1891. was changed to its present name and style of Frederick F. 

Ingram & C!onipany. 

Mr. Ingram was born in Hast- 
ings, Michigan. His entire busi- 
ness life has been spent in practical 
pharmacy ; first as a retail drug- 
gist, later as a traveling salesman 
for a manufacturing drug house, 
and gained a tliorougli knowledge 
of the recpiirements of the drug 
^'' business both in this country and 
Canada. Their trade extends over 
tlie entire United States, and is 
constantly increasing by reason of 
, the liigh grade and generally sal- 
able character of the goods, their 
valuable qualities being readily 
recognized whei-ever they have 
been introduced. The record of 
the house has been one of continual 
success from the start, and eacli 
member of the firm personally 
exerts himself in the interests of 
the business, by the application of 
practical knowledge to the consid- 
eration of involved details. The 
rapid increase of new customers 
and the continued confidence ex- 
pressed by the old customers of the 
bouse, emphasized by frequently 
repeated orders, shows how closely 
the firm is in touch with the trade 
ill all markets throughout the 
country. The honest cliaracter of 
products secured through unremit- 
iug conformity to required details 
has won the highest commendations 
and commensurate patronage. 
Only the purest and best materials 
- are used, and every article is guar- 
anteed. The most reliable formulas 
are faithfully followed, and tlie 
uniform excellence of the products scrupulously maintained. The 
proper and economical conduct of the business is assured by the 
systematic management and direction of the members of the firm, 
all of whom are practical and experienced, having been for many 
years actively engaged in manufacturing and marketing the above 
line of preparations. 

The domestic remedies manufactured by this house are aU non- 
patent, and may lie non-secret or not, as preferred by bujer ; 
orders are filled with formula on wrapper, and buyer's address on 
both wrapper and label. Tliey also manufacture a complete line 
of officinal preparations of the Pharmacopceia, and all of an unoffic- 
inal character in common use, which are guaranteed of uniform 
and standard strength. In perfumes, toilets requisits, druggists' 
necessaries, and show-case goods, the products are of exceptionally 
fine style and finish, and represent the high aims and ambitions of 
these manufacturers, who indubitably instance an example of prog- 




36 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




SEELY MANITACTIIRINO C'OMl'ANY'S LABORATORY. 

ress anil prosperity crctlitiilile and advantageous to tlio city of 
Detroit, among tlie industrial rf])resentativcs of wliirli tliis lirni 
occupies !', leading and liiglUy important position. 

SEELY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 
JIannfacturers of Perfumery, Toilet Articles, Flavoring Extracts 
and Grocers' Specialties — Factory and offices, corner Fort and 
Fourth streets. This estahlishment was founded by Mr. J. M. .Seely, 
in 1863, and has steadily advanced to its present position among tlie 
leading houses in its line in the country. Tlio building occupied is an 
imposing brick structure of four stories and basement, r)(i.\|:ill feet in 
dimensions, and is provided with every re({uisite ai>jiliance for 
securing expedition and uniformity in manufacturing. The trade 
territory embraces the entire United Stales witli a large export 
trade to Mexico, South America, Australia and Ni'W Zealand. The 
line of products endiraces perfumery, toilet articles, flavoring 
extracts and grocer's specialties. • A force of seventy hands is 
employed, and the annual output is very large to meet the demand, 
which is of continual expansion. The projirietors of llie business 
are Messrs. George H. Smith and Justin E. Smith, thoroughly exjier- 
ienced and practical numufacturers, and among Detroit's distin- 
guished trade factors, who have materially assisted in enhancing 
the city's general commercial interests. 

WILLIAMS, SHELEY & BROOKS. 

This house had its original fomidation in 1S15, an 1 was resolved 
into its prestnt n.-imeand style Feliruary 1, 1H90, as successors to Far- 
rand, Williams & Company. The firm as now constituted is compcetl 
of Jle.'-srs.William t'.Willianjs, Alanson Sheley and AlansonS.13 ooks. 
Its history has been a record of continuous successes and its present 
eminently judicious and capable management places it in a c-on- 
spi<uons position among the lea<ling importing and manufacturing 
wholesahi druggists anil dealers in druggists' sundries in the country. 
As the State agency and depot for leading patent medicines it con- 
tributes essentially to the denumds of a large and exiianding trade, 
in the security of the best interests, of which the house is particu- 



larly and critically careful. The importation direct of 
crude drugs, essential oils, olive oils, chamois skins, hair, 
tooth," and nail brushes and other toilet articles enables 
them to successfully compete with Eastern markets. 
They grind and powder their own drugs which are of the 
most superior selections and are thus empowered to guar- 
antee their (juality, as well as to vouch for the reliability 
and genuineness of their fluiil extracts, eUxirs, medicated 
syrups and fine pharmaceutical i-reparations. They make 
a specialty of filling mail orders, wliich receive as prompt 
and strict attention as if the purchaser were present. No 
goiMls are solil to the cunsumer, the rights and interests of 
the retail trade being rigidly protected. The stock carried 
is one of the largest and greatest variety in the State, and 
orders can be filled for any article denumded by the trade 
in the most exi)editious and satisfactory manner. The 
customers of the old house have found in the present mem- 
bers of tlie new firm old acipiaintances and friends, who 
are keenly alive to every reiiuiremeut of the business and 
prepared to meet them with unswerving fidelity to con- 
fided interests. The building occupied, corner of East 
L;irned and Bates streets, is an ini|iosing structure of brick 
of live stories above a large basement; isSllxKlO feel in 
dimensions, and is fully provided with reijuisite facilities 
and .accommodations for the transaction of the extensive 
business. The (inn do an annual business of about 
ijl, 000,001), and the trade relations embrace the districts 
tributary to the Detroit market and numy remote sections 
of the countrj-. Mr. Williams has been the Manager of 
the house for thirty-three years and exerts an active and 
tireless superiidendence. Mr. Brooks is also an active 
mendier of the firm and has acted in the capacitj' of buyer 
lor seven years. Jlr. Sheley devotes but little time to the 
business, being a very old man, but gives, still, consider- 
able attention to his other and varied investments. He is 
hale and hearty, and for many years labored with Mr. 
Williams in securing the position achieved by the house 
and which ho is ever ready and willing to assist, both with 
his sound judgment and his j ecuniary ability. The firm of V.'illianis, 
.Sheley i^L' Brooks takes an essentially high rank in the category of 
Detroit's successful niircliants, who have won a laudable distinction 
and a distinguished identity. 




WILLIAM C. WlLLlAJlb. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



37 



William C. Williams was born at Anglesea, North Wales, in 
1837. After the death of his father, he came, in his tenth year, with 
liis mother and two sisters, to the United States, locating at 
Waukesha, Wisconsin, and, in October, 1852, removing to Detroit. 
Here he attended the public scliools until April, 18,53, when he 
secured a position in a drug store as an apprentice to learn the busi- 
ness under the instruction of Edward Bingham, soon becoming 
capable of putting up the prescriptions of eminent physicians. In 
1859 Mr. AUinson Sheley became a partner in the business, and one 
j'ear later Mr. Williams became a member of the firm. Since this 
time Mr. Williams has continuously been the managing and active 
partner, his thorough and intimate knowledge of all details incident 
to the business rendering his relation in this regard of great and 
permanent value. He was the constructor of the Peninsular White 
Lead and Color Works and holds the largest individual interest in 
that corporation. Mr. Williams was prominent in connection, with 



Canada at w. rk on the Rideau Canal, after which he entered tiie 
store of Fuller & Walton, at Alexandria Bay, Jeflferson County, 
New York. He came to Detroit August 31, 1831, and during the 
succeeding winter took charge of a general store at Saline, Michi- 
gan, the principal trade of which was in hides. On his return to 
Detroit he began work at his trade of builder, and in June, 1835, was 
appointed the agent at Detroit of the Black River Steam Mill Com- 
pany, a position which he held for twenty years, when, together 
with Mr. Tilton Ames, he purchased from the heirs of Colonel 
Perkins, of Boston, all of the interests of the Black River Steam 
Mill Company in Michigan, paying therefor !f;lOO,000. Mr. Sheley 
continued to conduct this business up to 1859, when he bought a 
half interest in the drug business of Jacob S. Farrand, which then 
became Farrand & Sheley, afterward Farrand, Siieley & Company. 
Later William C. Williams' name was .substituted for that of 
Mr. Sheley. Farrand, Williams & Company, were succeeded. 




LABORATORY OF FREDERICK F. INGRAM & COMPANY,— SUCCESSORS TO WILLIAMSON, INGRAM & GRIGGS. 



three others in the organization of the Commercial National Bank 
and has been an active and influential Director thei-ein since its 
foundation. He is a valued member of the Board of Trustees of the 
Detroit College of Medicine and has been largelj' instrumental in 
promoting the high aims and principles of that institution. As the 
managing factor of the firm of Williams, Sheley and Brooks, Mr. 
Williams has .succeeded in placing the house in a leading position 
among the most prominent importing and manufacturing wholesale 
druggists and dealers in druggists" sundries in the country. In all of 
his relations, Mr. W^illiams has preserved the most scrupulous and 
the most correct regard for those sterling principles, the employ- 
ment of which has advanced him from an humble beginning in 
business to the top round of the mercantile ladder. 

*Alanson Sheley was born August 14, 1809, at Albany, New 
York. After receiving suca an education as the schools of that day 
afforded, he began the actual battle of life. He spent two years in 

*The portrait of Mr. Sheley may be found on page 17. 



February 1, 1890, by Williams, Sheley & Brooks. Mr. Sheley is a 
stockholder in the Firse National Bank and a member of its Board 
of Directors. He is also largely interested in varied other relations 
and is the owner of mu"h valuable real estate. As affording an 
instance of almost uninterrupted health, never having been confined 
to his bed from sickness since he has lived in Detroit, a period of 
nearly sixty years, Jlr. Sheley may truly be regarded as of a 
remarkable type, and when it is known that, throughout his whole 
life ot nearly eighty-two years he has never used tobacco or any 
kind of intoxicating drink as a beverage, he presents a principle 
which might profitably be followed by the rising generation. He 
was married in Detroit and has three children living — two daughters 
and one son. During a long and active life he has maintained the 
most incorruptible integrity and honorable identity, and the evening 
of his days is full of the comfort and satisfaction that spring there- 
from and gild his pathway with gleams of fadeless joy. 

Alanson S. Brooks was born at Detroit, January 7, 1863. He 



38 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE 




AI..ANSON S. UROOKS. 

■was o<lucate<l in Pliili> Pattorsons scliool, and in his fifteenth year 
entered the enijiloy of Fanand, Williams & ('i)nii)any. Bt'f^inning 
in an luimble cai)acily, lie successively filled all of the |)()sitions 
inciilent to the wholesale drug husiness, heconiins a nieinher of the 
firm of Fanand, Williams & C'am])any in Jainiary, 1SS2, and at the 
succession to that husiness of Williams, Sheley & Brooks Fehruary 
1, 1S!)0, his name appeared in the announcement of the changed 
administration. 5Ir. Brooks and Jlr. Williams are the active 
partners, Jlr. Sheley not devoting his whole linn' .iiid attention to 
the business. Mr. Brooks is the Secretary of the I'liiinsular White 
Lead and Color Works, and the Secretary and Treasurer of the 
Latimer Cash Register Company. He was married in ISSO to a 
daughter of Hela ITuhhard, one of Detroit's distinguish! d men, and 
the author of " Jlemorials of a Half-Century,'' and valuahle <-ontri- 
butions to the pioneer literature of Wayne County. Mr. I'.rooks is a 
member of Detroit Athletic Association and Detroit Boat Club. He 
has been, sinc(^ his fifteenth year, continuously in his present busi- 
ness, in which he is an able, experienced and enterprising factor. 
He shares with Mr. Williams the management and active duties of 
the business and is also the buj'er for the firm. Although young in 
yeai'S, Mr. Brooks has demonstrated those signal abilities v/hich 
attach to successful merchants and which place them in the high 
positions they are fitted to hold. As a member of the firm of 
Williams, Sheley & Brooks, he has achieved a prominence through 
his experience in ami fidelity to the details of the bu.sincss that 
reflects uiion him great and merite<l dislinction. 

FARRANl). WILLIAMS & CLARK. 
Wholesale Druggists, 'M and ;!t Woodward .avenue. The ni.antle 
of till' late Jacoi] S. Farrand has most worthily fallen upon the 
above named firm, who are now continuing the business of which 
he was the successful iiioneer. Following in the footsteps of him who 
so ably preceeded them, these gentlemen combine their own exten- 
sive experience and executive ability with that of the original 
founder, Jacob S. Farrand. The firm date their establishment from 
March IH, IsOO, with a large capital and first-class facilities for 
prompt shipments of orders. They employ over sixty expert hands, 
and their numerous patrons throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana 
and adjacent territory can rely to the utmost tijion careful attention 
to their riMjuirements. For first-class Pharmaceutical ]iroductions, 
pure drugs, perfumery and druggists' sundries, this firm are noted 



f 01 oxceil'jnco and reliabitit^" ; each member of the firm being adepts 
in the st-veral branches peculiar to the trade. Tlieir long jiractical 
experience and careful personal suiHTvisloa of all the important 
details of the business insures the most desirable and agreeable busi- 
ness relations between these gentlemen and their ]iatrons. Their 
elegant and commodious building, consisting of five stories and 
basement, is pleasantly and conveniently located at 32 and ;!l Wijod- 
ward avenue. 

*JaCOB ii. F.U£RA-N». The original founder and pioneer in the 
wholesale drug trade of this city, was the late Jacob S. Farrand. 
.Mr. Farrand was born in Mentz, Cayuga County, New York, May 7, 
l'<n, and with his i)arents came came to Detroit in May, 182."). After 
a brief stay lie moved to Ann Arbor. When a lad of thirteen he 
carried the mail on horseback between the latter town and Detroit. 
In l^iiiO becoming a clerk in the drug store of Rice & Bingham 
where in six years he arose to partnership with Mr. Bingham, con- 
tinuing for live years, when he received the aiipnintmi-nt of deputy 
collector of the port and district of Detroit, extending around the 
shores of Lakes Huron and Michigan, including the city of Chicago. 
In 1841 he was military secretary of the governor. Closing his term 
of service he re-embarked in the drug business as senior member of 
the wholesale drug house of Farrand, Williams & Company. Under 
his cai'ef ul eye the business extended from a snuill nucleus to sjd.ODO,- 
000 annuallj'. During his life Mr. Farrand, was connected with a 
few stock companies, was director and 2"'esident of the First 
National bank. From 1S(!0 to IstU he was a member of the Common 
(iiuncil. lie also served eight years as president of the jiolico com- 
mission. For more than twenty years he was member of the water 
hoard and for many years served on the board of education. Mr. 
Farj'and was from childhood a member of the First Presbyterian 
churcli and in religious and charitable work was ever active, not- 
ably in bringing about the union between the old ami the new 
schools of the Presbyterians in the United States. In 1841 he mar- 
ried Olive M., the daughter of Rev. Harvey Coe, an early settler of 
the Western Reserve. After an honorable, exemplary ami busy life, 
Mr. Farrand died April 3, at his home 457 Woodward avenue after 
an illness of a few days, from complicated lung troubles resulting 
from a severe cold. His wife and three children .survive him, and 
the entire community and a wide circle of friends in the social and 
business world lament the loss of this most estimable man. 



•The portrait of Jacob y. t'arrand may befouDdoupage Ifl. 




JACOB S. I'WIiHAMi, JU, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



36 



Jacob S. Farkand Jr., Junior member of the firm of Farrand, 
Williams & L'lark, was born at Detroit. June 11, 1857, and was edu- 
cated in the City iniblio schools, and was graduated from tlie Higli 
school. In 1876 he became associated with the wholesale drug house 
of Farrand, Williams & Company, becoming a partner in 1884, and 
retaining that relation until the spring of 1890, when the new firm 
of Farrand, Williams & Clark was established, in which he became 
a partner. He creditably fills the office of buyer for the firm and is 
the Treasurer of the Peninsular White Lead and Color Works. 
Wliile yet quite a young man, Jlr. Farrand has demonstrated con- 
spicuous business abilities, through which he has been advanced to 
his present responsible position. 

Richard P. Williajis, of Farrand, Williams & Clark, was born 
in the historically celebrated Isle of Anglesea, in 1846, and came to 
the United States in 1808, locating at Detroit, where he entered the 
emjiloy of Farrand, Sheley & Company, wholesale druggists. He 
continued with this firm, becoming a paitner in 1880, and retaining 
that relation until the organization of the firm of Farrand, Williams 
& Clark in the spring of lnOO, in which he holds a partnership 
interest. Mr. Williams is the President of the Peninsular White Lead 




RICHARD r. WILTIAMS. 

and C'olor Works. He married the daughter of Hon. Jacob S. Far- 
rand, the venerable head of the house of Farrand, Williams & Clark, 
and who was one of Detroit's distinguished citizens. Mr. Williams 
is descended from a very notable family, sprung from the old 
Welsh Kings. Ilis great grand-mother was a cousin of the Duke of 
Wellington, and his mother, who is eighty-five years of age, resides 
upon the estate which has been in possession of her family since the 
year 900. Mr. Williams has two brothers, prominent bankers of 
Detroit. He received a liberal education in the schools of Birming- 
ham and Liverpool, England. He is active in the business to which 
he devotes his exclusive attention and is as merchant and citizen, 
an honor and a credit to the cit}' of his adoption. 

Harvey ( '. Clark, member of the firm of Fai-rand, Williams & 
Clark, was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, November 23, 1838. He 
received his education in the public schools and at the Western 
Reserve College, from which he was gniduated. He came to Detroit 
in 1861 and secured employment with Farrand, Sheley & Company, 
as salesman, continuing in that relation up to 1872, when he became 
a member of the firm of Farrand, Williams & Company, withdraw- 
ing his interest with the other members of the firm in 1S90 when the 
firm of Farrand, W^illiams & Clark was formed. Jlr. Clark since his 




HARVEY C. CLARK. 

first business engagement in the drug business has devoted his 
exclusive time and attention to its details with which he has became 
in a prominent manner identified and is justly esteemed as among 
Detroit's most distinguished representatives in that line. He is one 
of the stockholders of the Peninsular White Lead and Color Works. 
Mr. Clark's long experience in the drug trade has made him hosts 
of friends, who are alwiiys pleased to mstance his eminent abilities 
and generally courteous demeanor. 

LAMBERT & LOWMAN. 
This firm was established February 1, 1889 and is composed of 
Mr. Benjamin L. Lambert and Dr. Oscar Lowman, who are identi- 




DK. OSCAR LOWMAN. BEN.IAMIN L. LAMBERT. 



40 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



fled as being the youngest wholesale druggists in the city. The man- 
ageun^iit and general sujiervision of the business are conducted by Jlr. 
Lambert, who was for ten years associated with Swift & Dodils and 
intimately ac(iuainted with tlic- details of the drug line. Dr. Oscar 
Lowman, who exercises suiierintendence over the manufacturing 
(lei>artment, was graduated from the Royal University of Munich, 
and is as an analytical chenn'st exceptionally cajiable. The firm are 
now turning out a large number of new and varied jiroducts made 
in the most skillful manner and which are meeting with readv sale 
wherever introiluced. The building occui)ied at 185 Jefferson ave- 
nue is five stoiics and afFord.s amjde accommodations and facilities 
for the expanding busines.s. The first year's output was ^100,000, 
and that of 18!t0 iji-r.t.OOO. The business is conduitii) on a strictly 
conservative basis and trade relations have been established in iMich- 




JAMES E. UAXlti & COMPANY'S WHOLESALK UKVH HOUSE. 

igan, Ohio and Indiana. The firm carry a full line of drugs, cliemi- 
cals, patent medicines and druggists sundries. 

JAMKS E. DAVIS & COMPANY. 

This firm, composed of Messrs. James E. Davis and George AV. 
Bissell, drug merchants, importers of druggists' sundries and manu- 
facturers of standard pharmaceutical jireparations and dealers in 
paints and oils, is located at 29, :51, 3:i and ;j.") Larned street, west, 
opposite the ])Ost-ofFice, and has the reiiutation of being identified 
Willi the leading drug interests of tlie c'ity. The house lias a notable 
record and its jiroprietors are prominently associated with the best 
development of the leading coniinercial interests of the city. 
T. PI. IIINCIIMAN & SONS, 

Wholesale Druggists. Prominent among tlie old land-marks of 
Detroit is the well-known house of T. H. Hinchman & Sons, \. bose 



line of trade comprises all the general requirements of druggists. 
The original establishment dates as far back in the early history of 
Detroit as the year 1819, the firm then being N. fhapin & Company, 
wliich afterwards changed to that of Chapin & Owen, who were 
succeeded by T. H. Hinchman. Mr. Hinchman is a veteran in the 
field of business men and has so often been before the public in close 
relations with the welfare and interests of the city in which he has 
so long resiiled, that multiplied words wouhl be superfluous as 
encomiums. The present jirosperoiis condition of this old established 
houj^e is due to his untiring sujiervision. Associated with him are 
John JI., Fdiil D. C. and Charles C. Hinchman, under the firm name 
iif T. II. llinchinan & Sons, their jilace of business being at 70 and 
78 Jefferson avenue. The size of their building is -lOxK."! feet, where 
they employ about twenty-five assistants, and have numerous 
travelers on the road through the States of Michigan, Ohio and 
Indiana, over which their territory extends. Added to their com- 
jjlete facilities for supplying and shipi)ingto their customers is that 
greatest of all consiilerations, long life of i)racti(al exjierience in their 
line of trade. Mr. llinchmin's portrait apjiears on [lage l.j. 



SrOVES AND RANGES. 

DETROIT STOVE WORKS. 
The founilrv which afterw.ards became the Detroit Stove Works 
was established in 1800, ami was the first foundry of thi' kind in 
ojieration in the northwestern section of the United States. In 1804, 
this establishment was purchased by a stock coini>any, the principal 
member of which was the late Wni. H. Tetf t. The new company 
was incorporated with a capital of f.")(),000, under the name by 
which the concern has ever since been known, the Detroit Stove 
Works. In 180.") the capital of the company was increased to ^100,- 
000, and subseipiently to $:!00,00ll. The Works now constitute one 
of the largest industrial establishments in Detroit, giving emidoy- 
nieiit to about 1.4(10 men, and melting sixty tons of iron daily. 
They cover ten acres of ground, the jilan: extemling from Jefferson 
avenue to the river. As shown in the illustration the establishment 
is admirably located for water transportation; it is also connected 
with all the railroads entering Detroit, by the Transit and Belt Line 
railways, the former of which lias a terminus within its yards, and 
the latter terminating only two blocks away. The superficial area.s 
jof the warehouse, the foundry dep.artmeiit and the mounting deparl- 
liiient floors are 108,117, 84,83:2 and 89,174 square feet respectively. 
iThese floor areas, together with those of a dozen minor shops and 
departments, aggregate a grand total of 3','5.01() scpiare feet. The 
various buildings comprised by the Works have been erected from 
time to time to meet the growing needs of the business; thej- are 
supplied with every appliance and convenience that the long exper- 
ience of the managers has been able to suggest or invent, and they 
have the reputation of constituting, as a whole, the best equipped 
and best arranged stove-manufacturing establishment in the United 
States. The general offices of the company are eh'gantly designed 
and finished, and are supjilied with every nuxlern convenience for 
the rapid dis|i.atch of its immense business. The Offices and the 
Works extend from i;i20 to KiOO Jefferson avenue, and are reached 
liy the Jefferson avenue. Loop and Fort street lines of street rail- 
way. A large portion of the company's business direct with dealers 
is done from its Chicago branch, located at 2G9 and 271 South Canal 
street, and under the management of W. M. Shaddinger. The 
Eastern trade is cared for b\- a branch in charge of Walbridge & 
C>)mpany, at 317, 319 and 321 Washington street, Buffalo. The 
concern has many European agencies, the jirincipal ones of which 
are those in Frankfurt, tiermany ; London, England ; Brussels, Bel- 
gium; Paris, France and Vienna, Austria. It also has a fine export 
trade in South America, Australia and Tasmania. Of the goods 
manufactured by the Detroit Stove Works it need only be said 
that Jewel stoves and ranges, n.ade in more than 8(10 different sizes 
and styles and adapted to eveiy form of fuel, ]iossess all the best 
features known to the modern art of stove-making. Re-modeled 
annually to meet the ever-changing requirements of the trade, they 
are everywhere regarded as the standard of excellence in stove con- 
struction and design, and the yearly sale of more that CO.OOO Jewels 
is sufficient evidence that their liigh excellence is aii)ire<iated by 
the jiublic at large. The ))resent officers of the concern are: E. S. 
Barbour, President ; M. B. Mills, Vice-President ; L. H. Chamberlin, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



41 



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42 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




K. s. n-vunoi-R. 

Secretary; \V. H. Irvine, Treasuri'r; L. Cro%vIc\-, Siiiicriiitciiilcnt. 

E. S. Barbour was Ixirn in Cnllinsvillc, Connecticut, in 1836. 
IIo attonileil ])rivato schooia in liis native town until he had reached 
the a^e of sixteen, when he left home to make his fortune. He at 
once secured .a ch"rl<slii|) in a larf^e dry goods liouse in New Haven, 
where he remaini'd four years, having been promoted to the head- 
clerkshi|i at th(^ expiration of the tiiird year. Anihilious to succeed 
and Jioijeful of finding a more jironiising business lield, lie tlien .jour- 



^w ^nbv 



n 



f' 




neyed westward and settled in Chicago, at that time a small but 
growing city. Not meeting with an occupation tliat suited his 
tastes, he cjme to Detroit, where he soon found employment in a 
wholesale dry gfKiils house. In the tliird year of his engagement 
with this house he married the only daughter of the late William H. 
Tefft. A year later, after having served four j-ears as salesman, 
the firm, recognizing his ability and push, gave him a partnership 
interest in the business. About this time Jlr. Barbour w;us solicited 
to accept the secretaryship of the Detroit Stove Works, of which 
Mr. TefTt was then President. He thereupon sold his interest in the ' 
dry go<iils business, and has ever since been constantly and promi- 
nently identilied with the growth and development of the establisli- 
ment of whieli he is the i)resent head. In lSs4 he was elected Vice- 
President of the concern, and, upon the death of 5Ir. TetTt in ISH."), 
was elected to the Presidency. He was also formerly President of 
the Chemung Hollow-ware Works, of Elmira, New York, an<l is now 
Vice-President of the Frankfort Furnace Company, and one of the 
Directors of the Detroit Transit Railway Company. Jlr. Barbour's 
life has been a typical American career. Possessed of pluck, 
shrewdnes.s, correct business h.abits, and liberal business ideas, he 
has succeed in the American fashion, which makes success mean 
something. Socially Sir. Barbour is known as a pleasing conversa- 



.ci» 



> i^ 




LEWIS H. CHA.MliKULIN. 



WTLLIAM H. IRVINR. 

tionalist and a most amiable and courteous gentleman ; among his 
immediate friends he is the soul of good fellowship. As a citizen he 
is public-spirited and generous, and no resident of Michigan's metroi> 
olis is held in higher esteem. His friends are legion. 

Lewis H. Cii.\mberlin was l)orn in Wayne County, Michigan, 
in 184:i. When he was fourteen years of age Ins parents removed to 
Ypsilanti, Michigan. There he atti'iided the Seminary, and 
acquired the practical knowledge and the mental habits wliicli, 
when ajjplied in the administration of business affairs in after 
years, proved of inestimable value to him. On (luitting the Semi- 
nary he engaged as clerk in a hardware store; but a few montli.* 
later ho became possessed of the war sjiirit, and I'nlisled as a l)rivate 
m the Twenty-fourth Miehigan Infantry. For three years he shared 
the varying fortunes of liis regiment, wliieh jiartiiipated in all tlie 
princi|)al l).ittles and skirmishes of the Army of the Potomac from 
186:J to tlie I'lose of the rebellion. In November, |.s()3, he v.as pro- 
moted to a First Lieutenaiu-y, and in July, ls(i4, he was promoted 
to be Adjutant of llie Kegiment. He was mustered out of service 
w.th his command on the UOth of June, 1865. Keturning to Michi 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



4.3 



gan, lie settled in Detroit and entered the employ of Buhl, Ducharme 
& Company. In 1873 he was admitted to a partnersliip in the estab- 
lishment of Prentiss Brothers & Company, wliolesale hardware mer- 
chants. Selling his interests with that firm in 18T8, he engaged 
with the Detroit Stove Works, of wliich he is the present Secretary 
and one of its Directors. He is also a Director in the Detroit Spiral 
Tube Company and in the Central Car Supplj' Company. A quick 
and clear discernment of facts and their relations, a trained judg- 
ment, a ready grasp of details, a faculty of practical, constructive 
planning, a habit of persistent industry — these qualifications, com- 
bined with a quiet, dignified, and amiable manner, are the charac- 
teristics which have marked Mr. Chamberlin's business career, and 
which assume a large importance in their daily application to the 
affairs of the Detroit Stove Works. 

William H. Irvine was born March 4, 1849. He was grad- 
uated from the Detroit High School at an early age, and very soon 
thereafter accepted a situation in the office of the Detroit Stove 
Works, of which the late W. H. Teflft was then President. Sustain- 
ing the reputation of his family, whose members were conspicuous 
for their integrity and stability of character, he soon won the confi- 
dence and esteem of Sir. Tefft, and was made his trusted clerk and 




LAFAYETTE CROWLEY. 

confidential man. In this position he shared all the vicissitudes and 
cares which fell to the lot of those men who were the pioneers in 
the stove-manufacturing industry in Detroit, and who, by their 
untiring labors, promoted its development to its present proportions. 
He is now the Treasurer and Cashier of the Detroit Stove Works, in 
which capacity he has served for many years. He is also one of its 
Directors, and is the Secretary of the Frankfort Furnace Company. 
As the head of the financial department of tlie Detroit Stove Works 
Mr. Irvine has, by his undeviating integrity, won the confidence 
and warm personal regard of a large circle of business men ; and 
this probity, combined with a genial manner, a thorough knowledge 
of business methods, and a rare business sagacity, renders his daily 
services of great importance to the concern. 

Lafayette CRO^^'LEY was born August 16, 1846, at Cincinnati, 
Ohio. Quitting school when he was only twelve years of age, he at 
once^entered upon the active duties of life. For two years he 
worked on a farm belonging to his father, when, in January, 1801, 
at the age of fourteen (even then, as ever afterwards, ambitions and 
perservering), he apprenticed Iiimself to learn the trade of molder. 



He continued to work at this trade till 1870. when he succeeded his 
father as foreman of the molding shop of Chamberlain & Company, 
of Cincinnati. He retained this position until the spring of 1879, 
when he went to St. Louis, Missouri, to accept the formanship of the 
shops of tlie Excelsior Manufacturing Company (G. F. Filley). In 
1880 he came to Detroit, having previously engaged to act as forc' 
man of the Detroit Stove Works. He had held the formanship in 
this establishment but a short time when he was promoted to the 
superintendency, a position which he still holds. He is also one of 
the Directors of the concern. A comprehensive, thorough, and 
practical knowledge of all the allied mechanical arts employed in 
stovemaking, a mind in which progressive ideas easily find lodg- 
ment, prompt executive abilities, a sound judgment and an affable 
but decisive manner of speech and bearing, abundantl}- qualify Mr. 
Crowley to discharge the diverse duties devolving upon him, and 
render his services to the Detroit Stove Works well-nigh indispens- 
able. 

THE MICHIGAN STOVE COMPANY. 
In the manufacture of stoves and ranges Detroit occupies a not- 
ably liigh position and one which invests its representatives witli 
distinguished merit as h.aving achieved continuous successes. The 
Michigan Stove Company, which has grown into such proportions 
as to render it the largest and distinctively the most representative 
in the manufacture of stoves and ranges anywhere, has essentially 
contriliuted to the possession by Detroit of one of the strongest 
levers of its commercial i)rogress. From its foundation and incor- 
ation in 1871 the Michigan Stove Company has won for its jiroducts 
a continually increasing sale and the general satisfaction which has 
been the result of their superiority of construction and adaptaljility 
to prescribed purposes. Tha factory buildings, 1032 to 1054 Jeffer- 
son avenue, are 300 x 700 feet in dimensions, (the grounds constitut- 
ing an area of over sixteen acres), and are thoroughly equipped with 
improved machinery and appliances and every requisite of the 
extensive manufacture. The daily product of stoves and ranges, 
which comprise "the only complete line of cooking and heating 
stoves and ranges, made under one name, one trade-mark, and one 
equal and uniform grade of merit," averages from 250 to 300 and 
from 60,000 to 70,000 yearly. Employment is afforded to from 1,000 
to 1,200 hands, whose monthly wages aggregate $40,000. The 
material used is the best grade of the Lake Superior, Hanging Rock, 
Ohio, and the Chattanooga, Tenn. and Birmingham, Ala. iron 
mines. A specialty is made of aluminum mixed with cast iron for 
the production of the "Garland" stoves and ranges, the only line of 
stoves and ranges in the world made from this valuable combination. 
The employment of aluminum in combination with cast iron pro- 
duces smooth castings, prevents cracking, gives additional strength, 
prevents blow-holes, removes chill and contributes benefit to iron 
in every particular. 

This industry, in the management and direction of which the 
officials of the company have shown the most conspicious merit, has 
far out-strippetl in quality, variety and extent of products any simi- 
lar manufactory in the world, and stands a noble monument of the 
enterprise and zeal of its founders, through whom it has reached its 
culmination of distinguished priority. Large branch houses for the 
sale of the "Garland" stoves and ranges have been established and 
are in successful operation at Chicago, Buffalo, New York City, and 
in several foreign cities. The nature and extent of the business con- 
ducted by this company may be inferred from the fact that their 
customers are in every part of the habitable globe, and tliat the 
name of "Garland," as applied to the stoves and ranges manufac- 
tured by them, is as well-known in every land and clime as are their 
virtues, which are proclaimed by the millions who have found in 
their use a soverign blessing and an abiding comfort. The oflicers 
of the company are Messrs. Jeremiah Dwyer, President; George H. 
Barbour. Vice-President and Manager; C. A. Ducharme, Secretary; 
Merrill B. Mills, Treasurer; F. W.Gardner, Manager Chicago House, 
who with F. F. Palms constitute the Ixiard of directors, all of whom 
are leading and representative business men and pledged to the high- 
est interest of Detroit and its strong grasp of the surest elements of 
commercial and manufacturing progress and importance. The 
accompanving full page illustration of the works of the Michigan 
Stove Company at Detroit and its branches at Chicago, Buffalo and 
New York, fittingly portrays the extent of its possibilities by which 
it has achieved its laudable distinction and prominence. 



44 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




as 






z; i- ft) 









^ C i; 
-'CDO 






DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



45 



CRACKERS AND CAKES. 

The distinction of being the first cracker baker in Detroit 
belongs to Mr. Clark, who began the industry in 1830. His shop 
was located on Woodbridge Street.in rear of tlie Michigan Exchange, 
and his operations were conducted on a small scale in the most 
primitive manner. Five years later Mr. John Copland established a 
factory for the production of crackers with more enlarged facilities, 
at the corner of Woodbridge and Randolph streets, on the site of the 
present Detroit Cracker Company. At that time the only system of 
making crackers was by hand, and the consumption of a half barrel 
of flour was deemed a full day's work for one man, the process 
being necessarily slow and tedious. The introduction of the first 
hand machine in Detroit, by a Mr. Osborn, in 1845, represented an 
improvement which was speedily adopted by Mr. Copland, and 
thenceforward, for seventeen j-ears, the Detroit cracker product 
nas made by its employment. The outbreak of the civil war cre- 
ated a demand for crackers beyond the ability of existing Detroit 
bakers to supply, with such facilities as they then commanded. In 
1803, Messrs. Marvin & Guthrey, of New York, set up in Detroit a 
Reel oven, by the use of which they made a quality of bread char- 
acterized as "Aerated." 

This innovation was soon discovered by Mr. Copland to mean a 
serious injury to his business, and with his brother, Mr. A. W. Cop- 
land, since one of Detroit's jiostmasters, he purchased the new plant 
and fixtures of Marvin & Guthrey, re-arranging the factory and 
introducing additional machinery and ap|)liances for cracker baking. 
Thus was inaugurated the firm of A. W. & John Copland, who, in 
1864, made the first crackers in Detroit from a Reel oven, run by 
steam power. Since this period the Detroit cracker industry has 
steadily grown and prospered, and to-day there are five large factories 
in successful operation, whose combined daily product will aggre- 
gate 600 barrels of crackers, entaOing a consumption of 150 barrels 
of flour, besides the other relations of the baking industry, such as 
sweet goods and fancy cakes. Detroit takes high rank among the 
cities of the country in this species of manufacture. The jirincipal 
product of the Detroit bakers in the cracker line is the XXX butter, 
wafer, soda and oyster crackers. While over-production in the 
cracker and biscuit manufacture in Detroit has of late years been a 
subject of complaint, it has been efl'ectually remedied by the superior 
quality of the products, and to-day the consumer properly appre- 
ciates the fact, as shown by the rapidly increasing consumption by 
every family of these articles of indispensable consii.leration. Var- 
ious associations of cracker bakers have been organized during the 
past few years, resulting in greatly improved products and uniform- 
ity of prices, as well as in the interchange of progressive ideas and 
methods, which have been found highly conducive to the interests of 
both the manufacturer and consumer. In these Associations were a 
number of representatives of the industry, thoroughly acquainted 
with the needs of the business, and they organized the United 
States Baking Company. 

Alexander W. Copland was born in London, England, in 1829. 
His father, a colonel in the British army, died whe;i tlie son was 
but four years old. He began his business life at an early age in 
tlie bakery of his elder brother, John, at Detroit. The estate left by 
his father was adequate for the support of the family and no very 
hard work was required of him. His first venture in trade on 
his own account was in the grocery line, upon the site tif the present 
establishment of Mabley & Company. Afterward he was engaged 
for several years in the baking business at Sarnia, but returned to 
Detroit and resumed the baking business in partnership with his 
brother, whom he bought out after a time. The establishment was 
located at the corner of Woodbridge and Randolph streets. Just prior 
to the outbreak of the civil war, he obtained control of the patents of 
the Reel oven and introduced aerated bread in Detroit. These new 
processes in baking proved very profitable. He i "moved his busi- 
ness to 20 Monroe Avenue, where it so greatly prospered that he was 
forced to open a branch under the Russell House, which was very 
successfully conducted for several years. He subsequently removed 
to Woodward avenue, between Woodbridge and Atwater streets. 
In 1883 he transferred the business to Mr. Lawrence Dejiew, his son- 
in-law and former partner in the business. After retiring for a year, 
he again entered into business with his son, H. B. Copland, and up 
to the time of his death, September 29th, 1889, maintained an interest 



in the establishment, located at the corner of Randolph and Wood- 
bridge streets. His whole life was devoted to his business and from 
it he amassed a considerable fortune, Mr. Copland was elected an 
alderman from the old second ward in 1865, and re-elected in 1867, 
serving two full terms. He was president of the old fire depart- 
ment from 1880 to 1883, and a member of the poor commission from 
May 31st, 1S79, to January 28th, 1881. In December, 1885, he was 
appointed postmaster by President Cleveland and was still the 
incumbent of tliat office at the time of his deatli, September 29th, 
1889. Ho was, in politics, a Democrat, and generally recognized for 
wise and prudent counsel. He was chairman of the Congressional 
Democratic Committee and for some time a member of the State 
Central Committee, serving as chairman, a delegate to numerous 
State Conventions and a delegate from the First District to the 
Democratic National Convention at St. Louis in 1876, when Samuel 
J. Tilden was nominated for the Presidency. He left a wife, three 
sons and three daughters. He was a staunch Episcopalian and an 
upright man in all of his duties and relations in life. 

THE UNITED STATES BAKING COMPANY 
was incorporated in May, 1890, with a capital of $5,000,000, 
and is a consolidation of thirty or more prominent Cracker Bakeries, 




ALEXANDER \V. COPLAND. 

which compose the Branches of the company. The Vail-Crane 
Branch, Copland Branch, Depew Branch and Jlorton Branch are in 
Detroit. The United States Baking Company is composed of practical 
representatives of the baking business, who own and control its 
stock. All the stockholders of the United States Baking Company are 
actually engaged in tlie baking business, and bring into the company 
the requisite qualifications and experience to meet successfully all 
competition. Its capital of |5, 000,000 will, in the near future, be 
increased to .$10,000,000, and it proposes faithfully to protect its 
interests by employing the facilities naturally arising from an inti- 
mate knowledge of the demands of the trade, which it will be pre- 
pared to serve with the best and most salable products. 

The Detroit Branches of the United States Baking Company 
are among the city's distinguished and leading institutions, and have 
afforded to the Company into which th^y are merged the advan- 
tages secured from their long and honorable records as manufac- 
turers of appreciable goods. The Company is establishing an 
extensive plant in Boston suitably to enlarge and extend their 
facilities and operations, to supply the trade of the country with 



46 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



dieir goods, wliicli have been gri'atly iiiliaiio-ii in valuf by iuiprovea 
processes and uniforniity of excellence. 

W. S. Crane, the Second Vice-President of the United States 
Baking Company was born in Yates County, New York, in 1«43. 
At tlie age of 14 lio removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where ho com- 
menced his preliiMinary education and where he began his business 
career as a clerk in a dry goods store, at ^1.1(0 i)er week and board. 
He established a grocery store at Yjisilanti in 1808, and in 1873 
removed to Detroit and eiigageil in tlio baking business, as a member 
of the firm of Vail, Crane and Curtis, at l:iO Randolph street. The 
panic of 187:{ threatened seriously to imperil the fortunes of the house 
and led to the withdrawal of Jlr. Curtis from the firm. Vail & Crane, 
however, surmounted all tlieir difficulties and from that time suc- 
cessfully i)rosecuted their business interests up to 18S.'5, when the 
Vail & Crane Cracker Company was organized and incorporated, 
with a capital of $100,000. In June, 1800, the Vail & Crane Cracker 
Company was nn'rged into tlie United States JSaking Company, and 
Jlr. Crane elected the Second Vice-President of the corporation, a 
position he is eminently (jualified to fill and one in which he has 
e.xhibited the most signal evidence of enterprising abilities. Mr. 
Crane is a member of the Central M. E. Church, a stockholder in 
the Detroit Electric IJght and Power Company, a member of the 
executive conmiittee of the Merchants and Manufacturers' Exchange 
and a member of the Board of Trad*. 




W. S. CRANE. 

{jEoitOE M. Vail, a veteran cracker manufacturer, has been for 
over tliirty-fivo yi'ars <'ontinm)Usly engaged in this industry in 
Mieliigan. lie acquired his trade of cracker baker at Syracuse, N. 
v., and after some years established a bakery at Ypsilanti,delivermg 
goods by wagons to small dealers in the adjacent towns and villages. 
He removed to Detroit in 1873 and became a member of the firm of 
Vail, Crane & Curtis, located at i:!;i Randolph street. In December, 
187;?, Vail & Crane succeeded to the business, .and in 1876 moved into 
the John ( opland factory, corner Randolph and Woodbridge streets, 
which, in Se[iteMd)er, 1S77, was destroyed by fire, but rebuilt and in 
running order witliin si.\ weeks. The business of the firm, with the 
introiluction of new and improved processes, was of rapid expan- 
sion, and the Vail & Crane Cracker Company took high rank among 
the Detroit representatives of the baking industry. At the organi- 
zation of the United States Baking Company, in May, 1800, the Vail 
& Crane Cracker Company became one of its branches and brought 




GEORGE. .M. VAIL. 

into the consolidation one of its most valuable factore. Mr. Vail isa 
great lover and p.ilron of field sports and is intensely fond of driving 
his magnificent team of hor.ses. He has never been engaged in any 
otlier business venture, confining his whole time and attention to 
the manufacture of crackers, cakes and such goods as belong to the 
baking line. Since the age of forty he has eschewed the use of 
tobacco, by which he considers his i)liysical strength greatly 
increased. He is a regular attendant at the Fort Street Presby- 




LAWKENCE DEPEVV. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



47 



terian C^luircli, and is in all respects an exemplary citizen and one 
(if Detroit's most eminent trade factors. 

Lawuence Depew was born in Peekskill, N. Y., September 6th 
1841. His ancestors were of the Huguenot race. His family were 
early settlers at Peekslcill on the Hudson, where Ids father, Isaac 
Depew, resided on the farm which liad been the home of his ances- 
tors for 200 years. His early years were spent in the old homestead, 
and his education was completed at Poughkeepsie College, from 
which institution he was graduated in the class of 1863. He studied 
law with his brother, the Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, one year in 
Peekskill, after which he removed to New York City and entered into 
business with the wholesale liouse of John W. Hait & Company, at 
129 "Water street. In 1870 he took Horace Greeley's advice, " "o 
West, young man," and moved to Detroit, there connecting himself 
with the Hon. C. M. Garrison, who did a wiiolesale grocery business 
in the old Board of Trade building until 18T5, when he removed to 
Jefferson avenue. Mr. Garrison retiring the same year, the business 
was continued by Mr. Dej^evv, under the firm name of Lawrence Depew 
& Company, as sole proprietor. In 1883 he entered into the manufac- 




HENRY B. COPLAND. 

turing line, purchasing tlie wholesale cracker and biscuit business of 
his father-in-law, Mr. A. W. Copland, which he carried on very 
successfully, for the goods manufactured are e-xcelled by none, 
equalled by few, and are to be found in every town in Michigan, and 
parts of the states of New York, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He 
sold out his business June 25th, 1890, to the United States Baking 
Company, by which he is retained as manager of the Depew branch, 
Detroit, Michigan. Upon his maternal side Mr. Depew is connected 
with the family of the celebrated Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, 
his mother being the granddaughter of the sister of that illustrious 
statesman. 

Henry B. Copland, the son of Alexander W. Copland, and the 
manager of the Copland branch of the United States Baking Com- 
pany, was born at Detroit, November 17th, 1860. His education 
was received at the military school at Orchard Lake, Michigan, and 
the River View Slilitary Academy at Poughkeepsie, New York. He 
became associated with the Detroit Cracker Company five years 
ago, a relation in which he exhibited the most commendable and 
enterprising (jualities, which led to his present position as man- 
ager of the Copland branch of the United States Baking Company. 




ROBERT MORTON. 

In this connection Mr. Copland has demonstrated the most valuable 
business capabilities and' shown a zeal and ambition which must 
rapidly advance him to greater honors. 

Robert Morton was born at Dunoon, Argyleshire, Scotland, 
September 17tli, 184.'). He came to the United States, arriving at 
Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1850, in company with his parents. His early 
education was received in the Brooklyn public schools. His first 




A. W. t'OPLAND. 



48 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



venture in business was in 1871, when lie engaged in baking at 
Winilsor, Ontario, where lie continueil three years. , Coming to 
Detroit in 1876, he resumed the baking business at 7:i7 Fort street 
west, afterward removing to Grand River avenue. In 1884 the pres- 
ent factory was built, more thoroughly to accommodate the expand- 
ing nature of the business, whicli Iiad, uj) to thio time, been conducted 
under the name of Robert Jlorton. In the same year the Morton 
Baking Company wasorganizel, and in IMH) became a branch of the 
United States Baking Company. Mr. Morton has recently made a 
tour of Great Britain, for the purpose o[ inspecting the systems of 
baking as there jiracticed. lie is a distinguislud niaiuifacturer, and 
a citizen pledged to the best and higliest commercial advancement 
of Detroit. 

AlkxaNDER \V. Cupl.A.Ni), a younger son of AU>.\ander W. Cop- 
land, and associated witli the comluct of the Copland branch of the 
United States Baking C<imi>any, was born at Detroit, November i7th, 
18C8. He received his jireliminary education in the Detroit public 
schools and sul)se(piently attemleil tlie iShattuck Military Academy 
at l-'ariliault, Minnesota. For three years he occupied tlie position 
of assistant cashier in the money order department of the Detroit 
IJOstofHce, and has been associated with the Detroit Cracker Com- 
pany, since its inceptit>n with the Copland branch of the United 
States Baking Company, where his services have been highly 
esteenu'd as being directed to the details of tlie business in an enter- 
prising and progressive manner. 



TOBACCO AND CIGARS. 

The history of the manufacture of tobacco in Detroit covers a 
period of nearly half a century, tl>e original venture in this relation 
having been undertaken by Mr. (Jeorge Miller, about 1811. In 1840 
Mr. Isaac S. Miller succeeded to the business, which was conducted 
in tlie most primitive manner in a one-and-a-half-story frame struct- 
ure on Woodward avenue, opposite tlie olTl Mariners' Churi-h. The 
motive power of the factor}- was furnished by an old blind horse in 
the cellar, which, after years of service, died literally in the har- 
ness. The crudest machinery and appliances were employed in the 
manufacture of the fine cut chewing and smoking tobaccos, which 
were sold at the nominal rate of three cents per paper package of one 
ounce. The excellent and rapid railway systems of the present 





■ni 




^1 


M 


^^Hiijj^^vjK i|^ 


1 


^^^^^^^^^^R^B^JH^^^riB ' 


^ 






JOHN .J. BAUI.EY. 



HIR.VM GRANGER, 
were then but imperfectly foreshadowed, the only steam railroad in 
Mlcliigan being tlie Jlichigan Central, at that date completed as far 
as Yiisilanti. The Detroit tobac:^-o jiroduct, therefore, lunl to be trans- 
ported to the tributary trade districts in wagons. Among the first 
salesineii in Iheeiiiploy of Jlr. Miller was Mr. Hiram Granger, who con- 
tinued in that relation for ten years. Mr. Granger is still engaged 
in the tobacco manufacture in this city and is identified as the oldest 
living tobacconist at the West. Mr. Daniel Scotten became asso- 
ciated with the firm of Thomas C. Miller & Company, as a partner 
in 18ri3, a relation which he sustained until 18,5R, when disjiosing of 
his interest to Thomas C. Miller, he formed a partnership with 
Messrs. Iliraiu Granger and ^Villiam R. Lovett under the firm name 
of Scotten, Granger & Lovett, as successors to the business estab- 
lished by Brevier & Robinson. John J. Baglcy, who had, like 
Granger, been in Miller's employ, with a capital of .^."i. 0(1(1, loaned 
him by W. N. Carpenter, established a factory for the manufacture 
of tobacco in 18o3, thus laying the foundation of what has since 
become one of Detroit's most prominent and progressive industries, 
Mr. K. C. Barker, one of the first to engage in tlie tobacco trade 
in Detroit as a traveling salesman, began the manufacture of tobacco 
on his own account in 184S, and left behind him the grand memorial 
of the present American Eagle Tobacco Company. Thomas C. 
Miller, a son of Isaac S. Sliller, and a former lawyer of Auburn, 
N. Y., succeeded to the business found(<d liy his father, and con- 
ducted it many years with great success. John Hanna was another 
tobacco manufacturer who ac(julred distinction about this time, 
whose business after his death was assumed by Mr. Robert 
McGinnity, his son-in-law, who became a member of the firm of 
Ilanna & McGinnity. Duncan, Hanna & Codd was another of 
the firm ; engaged in the manufacture of tobacco here, as, also, Max- 
field & Cook, who, after a few years of unsuccessful business, sold 
out to Mr. James Spence, who in a short time abandoned it and 
removal to Cincinnati, where he became interested with a brother 
engaged in the same line. Mr. Jacob Brown, the present head of 
the house of Jacob Brown & (yompany, extensive manufacturers of 
overalls and clothing, was, liki^wise, among the earlier tobacco man- 
ufacturers, but the venture proving unremunerative, he engaged in 
more profitable undertakings, from which he laid the foundation of 
his present establishment. In 18G2 Mr. Hiram Granger disposed of 
his interest to Messrs. Scotten & Lovett, and bought the business 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



49 



founded by John Hanna, from his widow. This move led to the 
establishment of the jjresent Globe Tobacco Company. In 1850 Mr. 
K. C. Barker formed a jjartnership with Mr. Frank Nevin, who after- 
ward became associated with Jlr. M. I. Mills, in laying the founda- 
tion of the present Banner Tobacco Company. 

Mr. Hiram Granger, after withdrawing from the firm of Scotten, 
Granger & Lovett.to established a factory for the manufacture of plug 
tobacco, taking in as a partner Mr. David Carter, the present Gen- 
eral Manager of the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Company. 
Walker, McGraw & Company, of which Mr. Granger was a member, 
was the firm originating the business eventually knov^n as the Globe 
Tobacco Works and the present Globe Tobacco Company. Mr. 
Daniel Scotten, after the purchase of the interest in the firm for- 
merly held by Mr. Hiram Granger, took in as partners, Stessrs. John 
G. Colville and Joseph T. Dowry, employes, the firm name being 
Scotten, Lovett& Company, which was so continued up to 1877. In 
1878 Colville and Dowry withdrew from the firm, and in July, 1883, 
Mr. Scotten bought out Mr. William E. Dovett's interest in the 
business and changed the firm name to Daniel Scotten & Company, 
which has since remained the same, although Mr. Oren Scotten, a 
nephew of Daniel Scotten, is a member of the firm. Israel Morey 
was another tobacco manufacturer, establishing his business under 
the firm name of Morey & Company, in 1867, and generally recog- 
nized as one of its best representatives. Mr. A. A. Boutell, the Sec- 
retary and Treasurer of the Globe Tobacco Company, was a book- 
keeper and the financial manager of this firm and the executor of 
Israel Morey 's estate. The firm name was afterward changed to 
Parker, Holmes and Company. 

Of the many embarkers in the tobacco manufacture in Detroit 
since the nucleus of the business was formed by Mr. George Miller in 
1841, there are in existence to-day and enjoying the fullest measure 
of success, the following: The American Eagle Tobacco Company, 
John J. Bagley & Company, Daniel Scotten & Company, The Ban- 
ner Tobacco Company, and The Globe Tobacco Company, special 
notices of which appear in this department. The growth of the 
tobacco and cigar manufacture in Detroit has been phenomenal and 
of continual extension. The internal revenue collections for the 
fiscal year ending June 30th, 1890, for Detroit, show |1,100,5T6..33 
from tobacco, and $338,673.83 from cigars, upon 13,757,304 pounds 
of chewing and smoking tobacco and 79,557,950 cigars, as comimred 





DANIEL SCOTTEN. 



M. I. MILLS. 

with collections from tobacco of $935,430.67 and |324,657.97 from 
cigars, upon 11,567,758 pounds of chewing and smoking tobacco and 
74,885,990 cigars for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1889. 
DANIEL SCOTTEN. 
Daniel Scotten was born in the County of Norfolk, in England, 
December, 11, 1819, and came to the United States in 1836, loca- 
ting at Palmyra, Wayne County, New York. He received a rudi- 
mentary education before leaving his native land, but has since, by 
diligent reading and observation,acquired a large fund of knowledge. 
His first experiences in business were in a saw mill and coopering 
shop, where he learned to make flour barrels; he also worked at 
book-binding in Cazenovia, New York, and other employments, 
teaching school for one winter. He subsequently discharged the 
duties of clerk in a general store at Lyons for a year or more. 
Returning to Palmyra, he engaged as clerk with Joseph C. Lovett, 
a brother of William E. Lovett, who was afterward his partner 
in the tobacco manufacture in Detroit, and four years afterward 
formed a co-partnership with a man named Rogers under the firm 
name of Rogers & Scotten, in the general store business, which was 
continued for three years, when Mr. Scotten again became associated 
with his old employer, Mr. Joseph C. Lovett, as a partner in the firm 
of Lovett & Scotten. He continued in the latter relation until 1853;, 
when he came to Detroit, where during the same year he associated 
himself as a partner with Thomas C. Miller under the firm name of 
Thomas C. Miller & Company, in the manufacture of tobacco. This 
business was conducted until 1856, when Mr. Scotten disposed of his 
interest to Mr. Miller. Buying out the business of Brevier & Robin- 
son, who were among the first toliacco manufacturers in Detroit, 
Mr. Scotten formed a co-partnership with Messrs. Hiram Granger 
and William E. Lovett, under the firm name of Scotten, Granger & 
Lovett, which continued until 1861, when Mr. Granger sold his 
interest to Scotten & Lovett. Subsequently taking in as partners 
Messrs. John G. Colville and Joseph T. Lowry, former employes, the 
firm name was clianged to Scotten, Lovett & Company, and so 
remained until 1877. In 1876 the firm moved from Cadillac Square 
to the j)resenc location on Fort street west. Colville and Lowry 
retired from the firm in 1878. In July, 1883, Mr. Scotten bought the 
interest of Mr. William E. Lovett, changing the firm name to Daniel 
Scotten & Company, since which time it has experienced no change, 
except the admission tJ an interest in the busine.-s of Mr. Oren 
Scotten, a nephew. In Daniel Scotten, Detroit possesses one of its 
most eminent and prosperous manufacturers, and a man whose yast 
wealth, lie being many times a millionaire, has been directed into 
channels by which the city has largely profited. 



M 



so 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



BANNER TOBACCO COMPANY. 
The Banner Tobacco Company was established May 1, 1861, 
was incorporated June 1 , 1878, and since its inception lias kept full 
pace with the exactions of demand for the high (juality and uniform 
excellence of its products. Their spiendid factory of brick, 53 to 59 
Larned street east, six stories in height, is thoroughly provided 
with machinery and appliances of the most modern and improved 
description, including numerous special machines of the Company's 
own invention and exclusively operated by them. From basement 
to roof it is a verital)le marvel of order ami cleanliness, and is the 
theme of unstinted praise by all wlio inspect its admirable construc- 
tion and arrangement. So great is the fame of this model tobacco 
factory that gentlemen from Europe have crossed the Atlantic, to 
see and report its excellent appointments and superior facilities for 
manufacturing. The building is of the most substantial construc- 
tion and is 80x120 feet in dimensions. It is heated throughout by 
steam, lighted by electricity and has commodious storage accom- 
modations and steam elevators. The basement is used as a stripping 
room; the se<ond story is provided with combined heating and dry- 
ing machiriery and requisite appliances, for the rapid and thorough 



give employment to over 150 hands and the products are among the 
most celebrated and widely sold in the United States. The principal 
brands are the " Banner" and " Snow Flake " smoking. In addition 
to the main factory are several storage warehouses of superior con- 
struction. Water pipes are conducted through the buildings and 
serve as a valuable safeguard against fire. The daily output is 
4,000 pounds of fine cut and 15,000 of smoking tobacco. The Com- 
pany has ample capital and is officered by leading and prominent 
citizens, vvho have proven useful factors in Detroit's commercial 
progress. The officers of the Banner Tobacco Company are as 
follows: M. B. Mills, President; George H. Perry, Vice-President; 
B. F. Haxton, Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager; Andrew 
Marx, Superintendent; J. J. Paxton, Managing Salesman. 

BANNER CIGAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 
This elegant, commodious and handsomely appointed factory 
for the manufacture of fine cigars was established in June, 1888, 
and is constructed of red brick in an imposing style of architecture. 
It is equipped with vM the re(iuisite facilities and appliances for tb. 
cigar manufacture, including the most improved machinery, appar- 
atus for preparing the leaf and extensive drying and storage rooms. 



t 





h 



A 



BANNER TOBACCO 

preparation of the leaf for conversion into chewing and smoking 
tobacco. Only the finest grades of Kentucky wliite and red hurley, 
at least four years old, and the superior qualities of Virginia and 
North Carolina growth are employed in the production of t lie chewing 
and smoking brands of this company, wliich sustain tlio highest 
reputation and have acquired an extensive sale all over the world. 
The fine cut chewing tobaccos are made from pure leaf, four years 
old, treated with the finest and most apiireiiable flavoring, and care- 
fully dressed three times before being packed in pails for sliipmenl. 
Among their facilities which insure the most perfect accomplish- 
ments in tobacco manufacturing are machines for removing lumps, 
grit and every species of impurity from tlio leaf; machines for heating 
and drying, which save the labor of six hands, and improved 
machines for granulating. A large drying room of slieet iron is a 
novel feature, and one which attracts attention from its highly 
effective arrangement and adaptation to intended uses. 

Everywhere huge hogshea<ls of the ]irecions old leaf greet tlie 
eye, and among them is the rare sight of a number containing 
the oldest leaf tobacco in the country. Tlie operations of the factory 



COMPAjrV'S FACTORY. 

The building, 105 and 107 Randolph Street, is five stories in height, 
and has a laige basement which is devoted to purposes of storage 
and the preparation of the leaf for conversion into cigars. Only the 
Ijurest selected Havana and Sumatra stock is used and the products 
are all strictly hand made by skilled workmen, under the personal 
superintendence of Mr. Edward Fee, who lias had a practical experi- 
ence of a lifetime. Ho has been in the business in Detroit for ten 
years and the remarkable success he has won for the products of tlie 
Banner Cigar Manufacturing Company evidences his abilities in the 
most emphatic manner. The cigars manufactured by the Compan}- 
are unsurpassed in the country for purity and high quality of 
material, superiority of workmansliip and salable character. The 
jirincipal brands and the specialties for wliich a large and steadily 
expanding trade has been accjuired throughout the tributary districts 
of tlie Detroit market, are the Banner, Standard Banner, 
Royal Banner and Travelers' Banner, S.im B. Scott, and the Flor 
De Raleigh, manufactured for the Montana trade, and which 
sell for |110 per tliousand. The Travelers' Banner is made espec- 
ially for the "Knights of tlie Grip," and is composed of Havana 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



51 



filler and Sumatra wrappers. It is smoked extensively by the travel- 
ing public and acknowledged by them one of the best cigars obtain- 
able. Another new brand is the Merrill B. Mills, a clear Havana 
cigar, made entirely from the finest leaf grown on the Island of Cuba 
and pronounced the equal in all respects of the best imported cigar. 
It is made by hand by first-class Cuban workmen, who were engaged 
solely for the production of this cigar. It has already won the highest 
favor from connoisseurs who hail previously smoked only the finest 
imported brands. Over 300 skilled hands are given steady employ- 
ment and the annual product of the factory aggregates about 8,000,000 
fine hand-made ciga s, representing a value of |400,000. The stock 
of cigars in the factory at all times is between 500,000 and 1,000,000. 
The Company has on hand a large quantity of high grade Havana 
and Sumatra leaf and many bales of other clioice selections pur- 
chased with view to the addi 
tional flavor that time gives 
stock. The factory is u nques- 
tionably the largest for the 
manufacture of first-class 
goods in Michigan, the finest 
and best appointed, and a ver- 
itable triumph in construction ^ 
and valuable manufacturing 
conveniences and equip- 
ment. The business offices 
are fitted up in superb style 
and fittingly exemplify the 
generally magnificent char- 
ter of the establishment as 
one of the leading and most 
important of Detroit's great 
industries. The general feat- 
ures and appointments of the 
factory are of the best and 
most modern description and 
furnish as auxiliai'ies in man- 
ufacturing the most positive 
and the most useful essentials. 
The g rowtli of the cigar man- 
ufacture, as conducted by this 
Company,has been exception- 
ally rapid and instances the 
ambition and high aims of its 
officers, who have been instru- 
mental in instituting enter- 
prising business relations 
which have been greatly pro- 
motive of the city's forveard 
move to place and power 
The President of the Com 
pany, Mr, M. B. Mills, ha 
proven a worthy successor ot 
his father, the founder of tht 
Banner Tobacco Company 
and one of Detroit's most di^ 
tinguished business men an ', 
worthy citizens. Tlie affaii I 
of both the Banner Tobacco 
Company and the Banner 

Cigar Manufacturing Com- banner CIGAR factory 

pany have greatly prospered and been continually advanced by Mr. 
M. B. Mills, who has been ably assisted by Messrs. B. F. Haxton, the 
Secretary and Treasurer, and Edward Fee, the Superintendent, both 
of whom are capable, active and judicious in their relations with the 
business into which they have brought the essentials of an intelligent 
and diligent co-operr.tion and practical experience. The special 
products of the Banner Cigar Manufacturing Company find ready 
sale in almost every state in the Union, and are pronounced by con- 
noisseurs a perfect triumph of the manufacturers' art in quality, 
finish and generally appreciable characteristics. The twin indus- 
tries, the Banner Tobacco Company and the Banner Cigar Manu- 
facturing Company, are among the most notable in Detroit, and 
conspicuously typify the enterprising spirit and unwearied zeal of 
Detroit's prominent and representative exemplars, who are worthily 




entitled to bear the "banner" of progress stamped upon their 
products. 

BlERRiLL B. Mills, President Banner Tobacco Company and 
Banner Cigar Manufacturing Company, was born at Detroit, October 
13th, 1S54. He is tlie only son of the late Hon. M. I. Mills, an early 
settler at Detroit and one of the city's most eminent and wealthy citi- 
zens. Mr. M. B. Mills attended the school of Philo M. Patterson 
until his fourteenth year, when he entered the school of Professor 
H. G. Jones, in which he pursued his studies for two years, subse- 
quently taking a course for one year in the Cheshire Military 
Academy at Cheshire, Connecticut, preparatory to entering Yale 
College, in accord with his father's urgent desire. He, however, 
influencerl by his unconquerable inclination for business pursuits, 
gave up his intention of going to Yale, and returning to Detroit, 

received instruction for a year 
in Mayhew's Business College, 
In 1872, upon the completion 
of the extensive works of the 
Michigan Stove Company, of 
which his father was one of 
the organizers, he entered 
their service as shipping clerk 
and time keeper, retaining 
those positions for three years, 
when for a year he represented 
the Company as traveling 
salesman. At the end of this 
time he became the purchas- 
ing agent of the Company 
and continued to perform 
elficient service in that capac- 
ity until his father's death, 
having been continuously 
associated with the Michigan 
Stove Company for eleven 
years. He succeeded his 
father as Treasurer of the 
Michigan Stove Company, as 
Vice-President of the Detroit 
Stove Works, and as Presi- 
dent of the Banner Tobacco 
Company, one of the largest 
institutions of its character in 
the country. Mr. Mills is the 
President of the Frankfort 
Furnace Company, Vice-Pres- 
ident of the Mesaba Iron 
Company, of Duluth, Minne- 
sota, to which office he was 
elected in June, 1889, Presi- 
dent of the Ireland & Mat- 
thews Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of Detroit, and is a 
Director of all the above-men- 
tioned corporations. He is a 
Director of the Detroit Fire & 
Marine Insurance Company, 
the Michigan Fire & Marine 
Insurance Company, the De- 
troit Transit Railway Com- 
pany, and the Glendale Tin Mining Company, of Chicago. He is the 
President of the Banner Cigar Manufacturing Company, organized 
in June, 1888. He is an honorary member of the Detroit Light 
Infantry. Mr. Mills is naturally capacitated for the management 
and direction of large business enterprises, possessing executive 
abilities of a very rare order. He is a millionaire and a gentleman 
in whom are united many excellent and conspicuous characteristics. 
He is genial, sociable, modest and unassuming; is in no wise bom- 
bastic or bigoted, and merits and retains the highest respect from 
all who come within his regard. In politics he is a Democrat, but 
in all things prudent, conservative, and devoted to the interests of 
the numerous and large enterprises of which he is the manager and 
director. 



52 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



GLOBE TOBACCO COMPANY. 

Thos. -McGraw, President; Eugene Robinson, Vice-President; 
A. A. Boutell, Secretary and Treasurer; Itanufacturers ot Fine Cut 
Chewing and Smoking Tobaccos; So to 31 Fort street, east. — Tliis 
large and important tobacco industrj- was establislied in July, 1871, 
by the firm of Walker, McGraw & Co. at 35 Atwater street, west. 
After experiencing numerous mutations in partnership relations, the 
business was, in 1880, incorporated as the Globe Tobacco Company, 
since which its operations have been attended by continued suc- 
cesses. In 1889, the Globe Tobacco Company removed into their 
new and elegant building at the corner of Brush street and Fort 
street, east, a measure necessitated by tlie expamling nature of the 
business and the consequent demand for enlarged facilities and ac- 
com mod ations. This 
structure, justly regarded 
as one of tlie hamlsomest 
and most a|ipr<ii>riately 
arranged in Detroit, has a 
frontage of 70 feet by 138 
feet in depth, extending to 
an alley 20 feet wide. and is 
seven stories in height. 
It is sulistantially built of 
brick and is ade(iuately 
supi)hed with light and 
air. "It is,*' in the lang- 
uage of Mr. Simpson, De- 
troit's building inspector, 
"very strong and sul)stan- 
tial, well ventihited and 
practically fire ])roof." 
The flooring is ci instruct- 
ed ujxm the j)lan of what 
is known as "mill con- 
struction," tlie l)eams be- 
ing i>laced about 4 feet 
apart, and in jilaces where 
the dust and other pro- 
moters of combustion may 
be dejwsited, the flooring 
is uplield by be iins and 
girders, wliicli jiroduce an 
unobstructed ceil big and 
wliicli, between the layers 
of flooring is absolutely 
fire proof. The jiosition 
of the columns, one upon 
the other, prevents the 
settling of fl(H)rs in an un- 
equal manner through tlie 
shrinkage of the supports, 
thereby decreasing the 
pressure ujwn tlie walls. 
The iirincipal stairway is 
on the norlliwest of the 




GLOBE TOBACCO CO.'S FACTORY. 



building, and is an inclosed passage of brick, 15x15, having stairs 
of easy ascent, five feet, six inches wide. At the extremity of 
the final stairway landing are door-waj's which are constructed 
so as to open outwardly, and in juxtaposition to tliese is 
the elevator shaft, protected by a brick environment At the 
front on the east is an additional stairway, five feet in width. 
As having been the original tobacco factory in the United States 
to introduce and operate successfully an electric motive 
principle, which furnishes ample power for the extensive mechan- 
ical aiijiurtenances as well as a powerful lighting system, the Globe 
Tobacco Company aciiuins a special claim for enteprising and 
judicious management and directions. The nine electric motors 
are apportioned among the departments where their varying 
power is to be utilized, aiid hence each is operateil separately 
and with a valuable economy as to belting, shafting and fuel. The 
chief motive principle is supplied by one 50-horse power dynamo. 
The Company have invested several thousand dollars in tlie patents 
•f special machinery of their own invention, and they are by this 



means, and the aid of 120 skilled operatives empowered to produce 
their exceptionally salable and meritorious goods. Their princiiial 
brands for which has been acquired almost unixi-rsal sale 
throughout the United States and Canada are the Globe Fine Cut 
and Hand Made Flake Cut, the generally acknowledged acme of 
the manufacturers' art and the summuiii 6o/i«»iof delicious chewing 
and smoking accomplishments The company annually employs 
100,000 jiounds of the purest granulated sugar and .50,000 pounds of 
licorice as flavoring for 1,100.(1(10 pounds of leaf tobacco, to which 
are added 95,000 pounds of tin foil in the production and preparation 
for market of about 1,250,000 [lounds of their celebrated chewing 
and smoking tobaccos. They also annually purchase about $45,000 
worth of Kentucky leaf tobacco for the manufacture of chewing 

and .f;75,000 worth of the 
Virginia growth for 
smoking tobacco. The 
daily output of the fac- 
tory is 8,000 pounds, of 
which 1,500 pounds are of 
the celebrated flake cut 
protluct. The company 
owns and operates large 
curing establishments in 
the princijial tobacco- 
growing districts, to deter- 
mine the unifiinu quality 
of the leaf, which needs 
the most critical care to 
insure freedom from cli- 
matic abuses. The Adt 
drying machine, used by 
this company for the prop- 
er preparations of the leaf 
material for smoking to- 
bacco, has a capacity of 
9,000 iiounds j>er day, and 
its operation effectually 
relieves the tobacco of the 
excess of nicotine which 
renders it obnoxious and 
injurious when smoked. 
Tlie packages used by the 
Globe Tobacco Company 
and which are fully 
covered by U. S. patents 
are handsome and con- 
venient tin boxes in the 
shape of cigar boxes, with 
glass covers. Their glass 
jars and barrels are unique 
in construction and are es- 
pecially adapted to secure 
the uninterrupted mois- 
ture of the toliacco. The 
trade territory, which to a 
large extent embraces the U. S. and Canada, is fully covon-d by 12 
traveling salesmen. The Company are e-xtensive advertisers and 
own three large job presses by which they put out tons of printed 
matter. They make a specialty of the finest goods and guarantee 
their ])urity and excellence. The Globe Tobacco Company has afforded 
to Detroit one of its most valuable trade factors, through its enter- 
prising and highly jirogressive management, and given to the world 
an example full <if the measure of success, as establishing a iirinciple 
and system in the tobacco manufacture promotive of the most re- 
inarkalily ]iroiiounced results. The officers of the Comjiany are 
experienced and capable mamifactuivrs and administrators and 
have reaped as they have sown, constitute fitting exemplars 
and factors of Detroit's supreme position in the manufacture of 
tobacco. Modern science in its application to mechanics has been 
made to play an important part in the special machinery and appli- 
ances of the Globe Tobacco Factory, through the use of which the 
products of the company have been brought to the highest degree of 
excellence. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



53 




M. B. MILLS. 

A. A. BOUTELL, Secretary and Treasurer of the Globe Tobacco 
Corupaiiy, was born in Steuben County, New York, January 13, 
1840. He is descended front Huguenot ancestry. His grand- 
father was a Revolutionary soldier and fought in the battle of 
Bunker Hill, and his father served in the war of 1812. When Mr. 
Boutell was four years old his parents removed to Monroe County, 
New York, where he attended a public school. In 1854 another 
removal was made, his parents locating in Oakland County, Michi- 
gan, where his education was resumed in a country school to which 
he walked two miles every morning. He performed labor on his 
father's farm, teaching a school during the winter months, until he 
attained his majority. For five terms subsequently he attended the 
State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and at the outbreak of 
the civil v,-ar enlisted in the First Micliigan Lancers. During the 
winter of lS(;4-.5 he was connected witii the quarter- master's depart- 
ment at Nashville, Tennessee. In the spring of 1866 he entered 
Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, 
subsequently teaching in that institution for one year. In August, 
186T, he became bookkeeper for Morey & Company, tobacco manu- 
facturero on Jefferson avenue, Detroit, afterward acting as financial 
manager of the business, and as the executor of the estate of Isaac 
More}', after the death of tliat gentleman in 1871. In the spring of 
1874 the business of Slorey & Company was merged into the Arm cf 
Parker, Holmes & Company, and Mr. Boutell went to Coldvvater, 
Michigan, where he became a partner in the law and banking busi- 
ness of Bowen & McGovvan,in which he continued until August, 1876, 
when he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Walker, McGraw & 
Company, of Detroit. In 1878 he became manager of the factory 
of Walker, McGraw & Company, afterward Incorporated as the 
Globe Tobacco Company, at Windsor, Ontario, Mr. Boutell being 
elected Secretary, Treasurer and Manager, and holding those offices 
until the fall of 1879, when the business was sold out to P. Beniteau. 
In August, 1880, Mr. Boutell was elected Secretary and Treas- 
urer of tlie Globe Tobacco Comjjany, of Detroit, an 1 has since filled 
those ottices. He is President of the Merchants' and Manufac- 
turers' Exchange, of Detroit; Treasurer of the Baraga Graphite 
Mining Company, Secretary of the Graphite Electric Company, and 
a Director and Stockholder in several other organizations. Mr, Bou- 
tell has taken much interest in the labor problem and his factory is 
conducted upon the co-oi^erative basis, which has proved very satis- 
factory. He is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and is 



zealously devoted to the cause of religion and education. He is 
always jovial and engaging in discourse and manner, and never fails 
to leave a pleasant impression with all who come within the charm 
of his sunny nature. He was married at Ypsilanti,Michigan, in July, 
1858, to Miss Harriet J. Carpenter, at that time preceptress in the 
High School at Coldwater, Michigan, and they have one child, a 
daughter, yet in her teens. 

THE AMERICAN EAGLE TOBACCO COMPANY, 
successors to the old and well-known firm of K. C. Barker & Company, 
is situated on Woodbridge street, and is officered as follows: Presi- 
dent, M. S. Smith, of Detroit; Vice-President, James Clark, of Louis- 
ville, Ky. ; Treasurer and General Manager, Charles B. Hull,of Detroit; 
Secretary, George B. Hutchins, of Detroit. They are manufacturers 
of Fine Cut Chewing and Smoking Tobacco and are among the largest 
manufacturers of this class of goods in the country being, by right of 
their continued existence since the original establishment, one of the 
oldest in America. This institution had its origin in 1848, Mr. K. C. 
Barker establishing himself in the business in this city at that 
time. He had associated with him, during the different portions of 
his business life, several partners. Among them was Mr. Nevins, 
Mr. Mills, also Mr. Charles Ducharme, of the firm of Buell,Ducharme 
& Company. Tlie present Treasurer and General Manager, Mr. 
Charles B. Hull, was Mr. Barker'.s partner later in his life, also his 
son-in-law. Mr. Hull was taken into the firm of K. C. Barker & 
ComiJany, in 1867, and was constantly an active partner during the 
balance of the existence of the firm of K. C. Barker & Company, 
and the organizer of the present Comiiany in 1883. This 
Company has a full, paid-up capital of $150,000 and is officered 
by prominent citizens, through whose diligence and enter- 
prising direction have been secured for their celebrated products 
of Fine Cut Chewing and Smoking Tobacco, a most meritorious dis- 
tinction and extensive sale. The factory buildings are commodious 
and conveniently arranged. There are 106 feet front on Woodbridge 
street, running back 200 feet, four stories and a basement, thor- 
oughly equipped with the most improved modern machinery and 
appliances. Among some of their most noted grades of Fine Cut 
Chewing Tobaccos, and those which hold the highest place in the 
market, are the American Eagle, Oriental, Dew Drop, Plum, Sugar 
Cured and Double 5, while the Smoking Tobaccos are Eagle 
Cavendish, Fawn and Myrtle Navy Cut Plugs. Their Granulated 




A. A. BOUTELL. 



54 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



goods are their Stork, Morning Dew and Eagle. In Long CuU, tlieir 
Frog, Home Comfort and Growler are prominent. They also manu- 
facture a very fine line of Periijue Mixtur.'s, for which they are 
getting large and increased sales. These goods are all included in 
the list of the most appreciateil and salable in the American market, 
and represent the acme of the tobacco manufacturer's art. The vast 
strides made by this company in the face of the most strenuous 
competition to the acquisition of the foremost jjosition in the tobacco 
trade in the country, bear evidence to the enterjirising vigor and 
rare business management of its ofHcers, as well as to the excellence 
and salable character of its j)roduets. They have traveling sales- 
men in nearly all sections of the country, but their goods are sold 
jven in sections where they have no representative. Both on tlie 
Atlantic and Pacific Coast, large and i)romiiient liouses are handling 
their goods. They can safely be recommended to give satisfaction 
in any line of Fine Cut Chewing, Cut Plug, Granulated, or Long 
Cut Smoking Tobaccos. As they have not commenced manufac- 
turing Plug Tobacco, they make no claims in that direction, but will 
guarantee satisfaction to any of their customers, in the lines now 
manufactured by them. 

Cn.vRLES B. Hull. This eminent tobacco manufacturer and 
distinguished citizen was born at Algonac, Mich., October 21st, 1841. 
His parents were natives of the State of New York, but settled at 
Algonac, Michigan, where his fatlier conducted the milling and 
lumber business. Here he received his early education, which was 
continued at Cleveland, Hudson and Twinsburg, Ohio. His first 
experience in actual business was with Nichols & Lefubor, he after- 
ward going to Rockford, Illinois, where he engaged with Tliompson 
& Company in the banking Imsiness. At the beginning of the hos- 
tilities of the late civil war he enlisted as a private and was soon 
promoted to sergeant in Company "D,"'of tlie Eleventh Illinois 
regiment. At the date of his retirement from the military service 
he bore the rank of Captain of Coniirany "A." of the 67th regiment 
Illinois Volunteers. The war ended, he engaged with Aiken & Norton, 
who afterward organized the First National Bank, of Chicago, for 
which Mr. Hull opened the first sot of books. Coming subsequently 
to Detroit he became paying teller of the Second National Bank, 
filling that position for three and a half years. After his marriage 
with Miss Carrie, the only daughter of Mr. K. C. Barker, ex-inayor 
of Detroit and head of the tobacco manufacturing firm of K. C. 





CHARLES B. HULL. 



JOHN N. BAGLEY. 

Barker & Company, he associated himself as a partner in that busi- 
ness, the individual members at that time being Messrs. K. C. Barker, 
Charles Ducharme, Joseph I. Barker and Charles B. Hull. At the 
death of Mr. K. C. Barker, in 1875, Ur. Hull, with Mrs. K. C Barker 
and Joseph I. Barker, formed a new co-partnership, Mr. Hull having 
the exclusive management and direction of the business until 1883, 
when the present American Eagle Tobacco Company was organized, 
of which he became Treasurer ani General JIanager, relations which 
he has since ably and meritoriously sustained. He has been Treas- 
urer and one of the Directors of the Mc:-chants and Manufacturers' 
Exchange since its organization. Mr. Hull has been a prominent 
member of the masonic fraternity for twenty years and belongs to 
the Detroit Commandery of Kniglits Templars; he is a member of the 
G. A. R. and Loyal Legion, of the Detroit club, and a member 
and ofi&cer of the Lake St. Clair fishing and shooting club. 
He is yet in the prime of life and his many honors sit gracefully 
upon him. In the tobacco trade especially he is identified and dis- 
tinguished as one of its most prominent factors, and few men have 
won more friends in the many and highly creditable relations he 
sustains than he. As a citizen of Detroit he has ever regarded the 
progress and importance of the cit\-, in the security of which he has 
been largely and meritoriously instrumental. 

JOHN J. BAGLEY & COMPANY. 
The inception of this noted institution in 185.3 by the late John 
J. Bagley, who was among the earliest manufacturers of toljaeco in 
Detroit, and who had, prior to embarking in the business on his own 
account, been an employe in the capacity of traveling salesman 
for Mr. Isaac S. Jliller, the pioneer of the industry, gave but 
slight evidences of what it has since become, one of the 
largest and most important of its character in the country. A 
number of popular brands are jiroduced, chief among them being 
the famous May Flower, which has acceptably met the demand 
for a choice fine cut chewing tobacco. The present Company was 
incorporated in 1879 with a capital stock of .|200,000, and is officered 
by experienced and capable gentlemen, who are among Detroit's 
influential and enterprising citizens. The buildings are two five- 
story brick structures, fronting sixty feet on Bates street, extending 
120 feet on AVoodbridge street and uniting there with two additional 
flve-story buildings of sixty feet frontage and running back 100 feet 
to an alley way. The factory is thoroughly equipped with the 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



55 



latest and most improved machinery and appliances for securing 
expedition and thoroughness of manufacture. The Company- 
employs 145 hands and the annual product of fine cut chewing and 
smoking tobaccos aggregates 1,700,000 pounds. The celebrated 
brands manufactured in addition to the May Flower, are Lima 
Kiln Club and Old Colony, smoking tobaccos of rare excellenco 
and purity, and Peach and Honey and Fast Mail, also fine cut 
chewing tobaccos of generally acknowledged merits and salabla 
qualities. The company has a large and efficient corps of trav- 
eling salesmen, through whom the most extensive trade relations 
have been establislied throughout the United States and Canada, 
while a heavy export business with China, Japan and Australia has 
been created and is steadily increasing under the stimulus of demand. 
The admirable system of business which is rigidly enforced in every 
department by competent and vigilant superintendents, insures that 
uniformity and excellence of quality which have rendered the 
^■oducts of John J. Bagley & Company the popular and salable 
considerations of every jjrudent tobacco dealer's stock. In its thirty- 
seven years of existence tliis house has maintained the most distin- 
guished identity among the leading tobacco manufacturers of the 
United States, a fitting memorial and perpetuation of the principles 
and aims of its illustrious founder, the Hon. John J. Bagley, 
whose eminent services as governor of Michigan and in varied 
official capacities conferred great honor upon himself and great 
benefit and enduring blessings to his State and City. The officers 
of the Company are: J. T. Mason, President; J. N. Bagley, Vice- 
President; S. N. Hurlbut, Secretary; Geo. H. Hopkins, Treasurer. 

ROTHSCHILD & BROTHER. 
What can exceed the satisfaction derived from smoking a really 
good cigar? Comprised in its composition are, first, the material, 
in the shape of the best and purest leaf tobacco, and second, its 
manufacture by skilled workmen into the finished product, which 
emits the grateful smoke, bearing upon its perfumed wings surcease 
from sorrow and a lessening of the woes which afflict humanity. 
The jiroduct of leaf tobacco of the Island of Cuba has for ag:s been 
recognized as the best the world affords for the manufacture of 
essentially high-grade cigars, a fact which has as much significance 
to-day as when the mighty secret first became known through the 
discovery of the American continent by Christopher Columbus in 
1492. The distinction of supplying the cigar manufacturers of the 





SIGMUND ROTHSCHILD. 



KAUFiL^N S. ROTHSCHILD. 

country with the purest and best grade of seed leaf tobacco of for- 
eign and domestic growth has been won and is well and worthily 
sustained by Messrs. Rothschild and Brother, of Detroit. This house 
was founded in 1854 by Messrs. Sigmund and Feist Rothschild, and 
was reinforced by the admission to partnership in 18G3 of Kaufman 
S. Rothschild, a few years ago of Mr. Moses Schott, and January 1, 
1889, of Messrs. Louis, Alfred and Harry S. Rothschild. Mr. Feist 
Rothschild died in April, 1890. As importers of Sumatra and 
Havana tobaccos, this house has acliieved a distinction and promi- 
nence which gives it the leading position outside of New York, and 
constitutes it the leading and most prominent house in the West. 
It is located at 77 and 79 Jefferson Avenue, with foreign offices at 
Amsterdam, Holland, O. Z. Voorburgwal 290, and at Havana, Cuba, 
Pra<lo, 64. Tlie custom duties on leaf tobacco annually imported by 
them, as per custom house records at Detroit and New York, aggre- 
gate $350,000. A stock varying from 1,700 to 3.500 bales is carried, 
in accord with seasonable demand, and the firm controls domestic 
warehouses in New York, Ohio and Wisconsin, while its supplies of 
Havana and Sumatra leaf are imder the direct purchase of resident 
agents. The administration of the business in Havana tobacco is 
under the management of Messrs Sigmund and Alfred Rothschild; 
Mr. Harry S. Rothschild, in the purchase of Sumatra tobacco; Mr, 
Kaufman S. Rothschild, in the packing of American leaf tobacco, 
while the official direction in Detroit is under the ciuijeiintendence of 
Messrs. M. Schott and Louis Rothschild. Onl}' the best and most 
critically tested leaf tobaccos are handled by this house, and are 
guaranteed in every instance equal to sample. As among the great 
representatives of the leaf tobacco interests of the country and at 
the West, the most prominent is the long established and sterling 
house of Rothschild & Brother, who experience the most eminent 
and the most conspicuous commendation and abimdant tjatronage. 
The history of this houss marks it as peculiarly enterprising; as 
remarkably attentive to the exigencies of trade and the specific 
wants of customers, evidenced in its long establishment, and the 
fact that not one of its patrons has ever known of a case in which the 
strictest conformity to honorable conduct and business integrity waa 
not employed. 

Sigmund Rothschild, penior member of the firm of Rothschild 
& Brother, was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, July 1, 1837, 
where he received his early education. At the age of thirteen ho 
was apprenticed to the wholesale dry goods business, in which he 



56 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



served for three years, and subsequently for one j-ear as a traveling 
salesman. To escape beinj^ drafted in tlie military service, lie came 
to America in lSr)4, landing at New York, where for some time 
he was engaged in learning the trade of a cigar maker. Coming 
afterward to Detroit, he secured the cigar stand in the old National 
Ilotel, the present Russell House, where he conducted business for 
one year. He next rented the building at the corner of Jefferson 
avenue and Bates street, and engaged in the manufacture of cigars, 
which he conducted ui> to 1H.-)S, when forming a iiartnershi]) with 
his brother. Feist, who had arrived in Detroit during that year, 
the firm of Rothschild & Urotber was established, the business 
being removed to the building opposite the Uiddle House. In 
18(12, Kaufman S.. another brother, was admitted to partnershii). 
In the previous year another removal had been made to Firemen's 
Hall, corner Jefferson avenue and Randolph street, where the busi- 
ness was continued up to 181)9, to which had been added the impor- 
tation of smokers' articles. The firm at this time controlled the 
largest manufactory of cigars west of New York, under the name 
of the 'Western t'igar Company. In 187.5 the firm changed the busi- 
ness of cigar niannfactuiers to importers of leaf tobacco and jiackers 
of domestic growth, and they are now known as the largest house 
in this line west of New York, the annual duty )iaid on imiKirted 
stock aggregating ij:!50,(l(10. Mr. Sigmuiul Rothschid has three 
sons, Harry and Louis, members of the firm of Rothschild & 
Brother, and Fred, in the cigar nianafacturlng businesss in Chicago. 
Enterj)rise and iirogress are the watch-words which have been kept 
in view by Sigmund Rothschill, who may justly be classed among 
Detroit's most reputable and distinguished merchants. 

K.\UI'MAX S. ROTHSCIULD, a younger brother of Sigmund Roths- 
child^ and a member of tlie firm of Rothschild & Brother, was born 
at Frankfort-on-the-Main, October loth, 1838. Coming to Detroit 
from the place of his nativity in lS(i2, lie joined his brothers in the 
business of cigar manufacturing. I'rior to coming to this country 
ho had been, for seven years, engaged in the flour and grain busi- 
ness at Frankfort-on-lhe-Main. In 1870 he was admitted to a full 
partnership in the business, which he has since lield. Like his 
brothers he has exhibited rare abilities of management and discre- 
tion and lias matiMially assisted in placing the business in a leading 
and prominent position. 





\ 


k%- 


r) 




^ 


Mi 


^^^Km^^ 




LOUIS KCTTNAUER. 



AUOUST KUTTXAUER. 

LOUIS KUTTNAUER & COMPANY. 

Louis Kuttnauer, head of the house of Louis Kuttnauer & Com- 
pany, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, April 4, 1847. 
He was apprenticed wlien very young to a cloth merchant, serving in 
tliat relation until si.vteen years old. after which ho traveled for two 
years for a wholesale grocery and cigar manufacturing firm of 
Franklort-oM-tlie-Main. In IHIi.'i he came to tlie United States, 
locating at Baltimore, where he obtained a position as a general 
bookkeeper tor an oy ter and fruit packing establishment. Here he 
remained for two years, after wliich he went to AVheeling, West 
Virginia, establishing himself in the tobacco and cigar business 
which, after conducting for one year, he sold out, coming to Detroit 
and engaging in the manufacture of cigars and the business of 
general tobacco <lealer, also handling leaf tobacco in large quantities. 
In 18S2 he abandoned the cigar riuuiufacture, and has since con- 
ducted an exclusive leaf tobacco business. In 18l~i7 he admitted his 
youngest brother, August, to partnersliii), changing the firm name 
to Louis Kuttnauer & Company. 

The firm has had a very successful career of business, marked 
by enterprising and judicious management. As extensive handlers 
of foreign and domestic leaf tobaccos, they have acquired distinc- 
tion and prominence and are classed with the most rejiutable in the 
country in their special line. The builling at 71 and 73 Jefferson 
avenue is five stories in height, 40x120 feet in dimensions, and 
affords adeiiuate facilities for storage and the expeditious transac- 
tion of the details of the busines!*. Four traveling salesmen effect- 
ually represent the interests of the house in its trade territory, which 
embraces the states of Jlichigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Miss- 
issi])pi, Minnesota, Missouri, Colorado, Nel)iaska, and ]]oitions of 
Canada. The annual sales aggregate ^.lOO.OOO and are constantly 
increasing in volume. The conduct of the affairs of this establish- 
ment has been signalized by superior abilities and a steady progress. 
The character of the leaf tobaccos handled is of the best selections 
and is critically inspected in every instance before being j^ermitted 
to leave tlie warehouse. Their importations of Havana and Sumatra 
leaf are a leading feature of the business and one through which 
they have ilerived the greatest satisfaction and profit. The great 
significance which belongs to Detroit in the cigar manufacture 
invests Messrs. Louis Kuttnauer and Company with a name in the 
relation of leaf tobacco, which lias essentially advanced their interests 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



57 




W. H. ELLIS. 

and placed them in tlie front rank of leaf tobacco importers and 
dealers in this conntrj-. 

"W. H. ELLIS, 
Corner of Griswold and Fort street, who is so widely and favor- 
ably known as the largest jobber of tobaccos and cigars in Detroit, 
is one of the many Canadian-Americans who has never had reason 
to regret crossing the border strait of the Queen's domain. Very 
few native born Americans have achieved such honorable success in 
business as has Mr. Ellis, and at the same time had such large 
interests in such extended enterprises as he now owns. Mr. Ellis 
was born near Toronto, August 3, 1848, and remained there until he 
was about twenty-four years of age. Then he felt tluit he wanted 
to start out for himself, he also felt that the United States was 
Ihe ijlace to make the start in. So he came to Detroit and entered 
the store of Theodore Schuemann, the former well known cigar 
nian, where he I'emained seven years. He then spent four years 
witli Daniel Scotten & Company, where he gained a practical 
insight into the tobacco business, and a wide experience in the 
inmunerable details, both financial and commercial, that go to 
malie up this branch of Detroit's trade, that has grown to such vast 
jiroportions. In 1880 he started in business for himself, where the 
Hammond building now rears its ten-storied mass, putting one half 
tlie capital he had accumulated int j the wholesale and retail busi- 
ness, and leaving one half in the bank, a proceeding typical of his 
sound judgment and excellent management. He has been the 
exclusive city agent for Daniel Scotten & Company's goods from the 
time he started in business, and his gratification at their largely 
increased sales year by year has been second only to that of the 
lirm's. He carries all the high-priced fancy and standard goods in 
bis line, purcliasing direct from the most celebrated manufacturers, 
receiving large shipments from Havana, Cuba, Key AVest, Florida, 
New Y<ii-k City Pliiladelphia and all principal points, handling no 
less than ~30 brands of fine cigars. All the pojiular domestic brands 
of tobaccos and cigars are also in stock, and five years ago he 
became special agent for the choice Queen Elizabeth. The La Dina, 
a Key West cigar, named by Mr. Ellis, and manufactured expressly 
for him, has become one of the best sellers on the market, and gives 
unalloyed satisfaction to the consumer. He has a constantly 
increasing state trade, receives an immense number of mail orders 
per diem, and has one man who travels in the state exclusi\ely for 



Key West brands. Two teams and two men are kept busy in the 
city the year around. In spite of the steady attention that this far- 
reaching business demands, Mr. Ellis finds time to become identified 
with a large number of the interests which have been the means of 
making Detroit what it is— in the line of cities that take the firsc 
rank. Mr. Ellis is a stockholder in the Detroit Motor Company, in 
the Detroit Electric Soap Company, a new enterprise developing 
most favorably, is President of tlie Clark Novelty Company, and a 
Director in the Home Savings Bank. He is pretty heavily interested 
in the Illinois and Indiana Stone & Coal Manufacturing Company, 
in the Graham Twist and Drill Company, and in the Felix Mine, 
Montana, which is making a 'good showing with rich prospects 
ahead. He is in the Car Heating Company, of Albany, New York, 
an immense institution, which heats seven-eighths of all the cars 
running. He owns st jck in the Rogers Typograph Company, the 
Dominion Typograph C'ompany, the Michigan Company and the 
International Typograph Company. Real estate has converted him 
to a believer in its "solid values," and, besides owning a consider- 
able amount of property in Detroit, he owns some soil in Kansas City, 
Missouri, and Pasadena, California. But all this is not enough for 
his activities, and he recently became the patentee of Ellis' House- 
hold Savings Bank, the popular little metal bank of the "Home," 
now iu such general use. Best of all, Mr. Ellis does not owe a cent, 
and because ho pays spot cash and discounts his bills, has his choice 
from every market in the United States and Havana, Cuba, that 
can supply his business. Mr. Ellis is a Mason of the 33d degree and 
Captain Genei'al of Damascus Commandery; is also a member of 
Grace Church, and still finds time to devote many hours to his 
family, consisting of two bright children and a wife, to whom he 
was married in 1878. 

EDWARD BURK, 
Was born in Germany, October 2, 1836, and came to the 
United States in 1854 locating in Ohio. He had learned the 
trade of watch making in Switzerland and followed it in Ohio. He 
came to Deti-oit in 1856 and engaged as watchmaker for George 
Schuler on Jefferson avenue, pursuing that avocation in this house 
for eight yeirs. In 1864 he purchased a jewelry store at Ann Arbor, 
and after conducting it for about eight months, sold out and 
returned to Detroit, engaging with M. S. Smith & Company, with 
whom he remained for three years. He afterward worked for J. S. 




EDWAUU BURK. 



58 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCF. 



Ck)nklin lor about tea years. In l«To iie and Jolm C. Sullivan 
bought out Oliver GolJsuiitli, cigar uiaiiufacturer, whicli was liis 
first venture in tliat l)usiness. Five years later he bouglit Jlr. 
Sullivan's interest and took in as partners C. A. Rieh, J. O. Van 
Anden and George R. Gross, the firm ruuio being Burk, Hieli & 
Coniiiany. In ISHS Mr. Burk succeeded lO the business by iiurchase 
and has since conducted it as solo proprietor. 

lie has, by the exercise of enteri)rise and judicious management, 
largely extended his manufacturing facililiis and secured a profit- 
able trade in the leading Eastern and Western markets. The 
factory building at 86 Jlonroe avenue is four stories above a com- 
modious basement and is 2t)xl00feetin dimensions. The machinery 
and appliances for manufacturing are of the best and most 
improved description. A force of 100 skilled liands are steadily 
employed and the annual output isabout !i.ii(IO,l")0, cigars valued 
at f 121). 000. Jlr. Burk sujierintends every department of the busi- 
ness and thus is enabled to guarantee the genuineness and uniformity 
of liis products. Among the leading and most prominent represent- 
atives of this industry in Detroit no one is more entitled to the 
characterization than Mr. Burk, who has ever evinced t!ie most 
enterprising and judicious conduct of business, and who is recog- 
nized among the city's influential and progressive citizens. 



HEATING APPARATUS. 

MIcniGAN RADIATOR AND IKON 3IANUFACTURING 
COMPANY. 

Jolin B. Dyar, President; M. S. Smith, Vice-President; C. 
Carijenter, Treasurer ; C. M. Woolley, Secretary. Manufacturers 
of Cast Iron Steam and Hot Water Radiators. Factoi-y and OlKces, 
South Side of Trombly avenue, between Russel street and Detroit, 
(irand Haven & Jlilwaukee Railway. 

Perfection in steam heating is one of the greatest achievements 
of modern science and the manufacture of specific appliances to 
insure household comfort and conveniences is one of the leading 
demands of the present age. This principle has been brought to its 
highest results by the Jlichigan Radiator and Iron Manufacturing 
(■omi)any, through the Perfection Radiator. Its superior construc- 
tion upon the most scientifically exact conditions by which the 
sectirity of free, unobstructed and large openings for the passage of 
steam and water is afforded, renders this radiator the most efficient 
and durable in existence. The character of the loops insures the 
fullest and most positive heating capacity, and the castings, whicli 




JOHN B. DY.\K. 

are made from the finest grade of iron Viy competent and skilled 
workmen, possess the higliest degree of perfection jjossible to obtain. 
Another and prominent feature of the radiator is its artistically 
handsome appearance, its design being liiglily ornate and modeled 
upon the acquisition of the most beautiful effects obtainable from 
the use of different colored bronzes in combination, and which can 
be made to blend with tlie complexion of the most elegant and 
sumptuous furnishings and decorations of the apartment in wliich it 
may be placed. The ii[)per j>ortion of the radiator is of faultless 
construction and gracefully conforms to the general harmony and 
beauty of the design. The top is flat, unbreakable, and is so coii- 






...••' 








^-^ 



.;/■ 



MICIIKIAN UADIATOli * IHd.N M A.M'FACTURINO COMl'A.NY S WdKKS. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



59 



structed as to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. The loojis 
are firmly adjusted and held in place by patent steel screws, which 
make a permanent joint, and which becomes tigliter the longer it 
remains in place. Tlie Michigan Radiator and Iron Manufacturing 
Company is the largest industry of its kind in the world ; commands 
an abundant capital ; employs 400 hands, and finds a market for its 
products throughout the United States and the continent of Europe. 
Tlie jilant is the most extensive of its character in the United States, 
and possesses every requisite in machinery and the most improved 
appliances for manufacturing. The officers of the Company _ 
belong to the great industrial representatives of Detroit, and 
are prominently identified with the city's material and pro- 
gressive interests. 

John B. Dyar, President Michigan Radiator and Iron 
Manufacturing Company, was born at Romeo, Michigan, 
June 2G, 1846, where he received his education. His first 
venture in business was as a dry goods dealer in his native 
town, in which he was engaged for five years. Coming, sub- 
sequently, to Detroit, he became the propritor and manager 
of the Detroit Metal and Heating Works, sustaining those 
relations for thirteen years. In 1888 he developed and organ- 
ized the Michigan Radiator and Iron Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of which he is the President and a member of its 
Boa d of Directors. Mr. Dyar is one of the Directors of the 
Commercial National Bank, and is interested in steamboats 
and various other considerations. lie is a member of the 
various Detroit Clubs and an enterprising representative of 
the city's forward move to a highly progressive identity. 

DETROIT HEATING AND LIGHTING COMPANY, 

The largest manufacturers in the country of Hot Water 
Heaters exclusively, and best known as makers of the cele- 
brated "Bolton," commenced business under this style, in 
1888, when it absorbed the Combination Gas Machine Com- 
pany. In 1887 Messrs. Berry Brothers, principal stockholders in the 
Combination Gas Machine Company, having become interested in 
the Heating business, opened negogiations with George Bolton, of 
Peterborough, Ontario, a heating engineer of over thirty years 
experience, and owning a boiler of most effective and novel con- 
struction. The firm obtained rights for the TTnited States. In the 
fall of 1887 the}' set uji sonii' sample Heaters in Detroit, and their 



in such high regard by the trade and others who have had an oppor- 
tunity to become acquainted with its merits, that, in the selection of 
an apparatus, the Bolton is, perhaps, the first in the mind of the 
purchaser. In Detroit, especially, it has a very strong hold, as its 
many users and the class of buildings it warms conclusively show. 
We illustrate, herewith, some specimen residences heated by this 
system, and the expressions of satisfaction the Company have 
received from their owners and hundei-eds of other delighted users 
of the Bolton can give an idea, perhaps, of the standing of this heater 




Residenco of AV. \ 
Heated by Bolton Heater, 



iiilielj) Detroit, Micliit'^iu. 
Mason & Rice, Architects, Detroit. 





4 '-m i; 



"V 



and why it deserves its prestijje. Full particulars of the system and 
methods of the Detroit Heating and Lighting Company, can be 
found in their handsome illustrated book, "Warmth for Winter 
Homes," which they send free of charge to any who are interested 
in the subject of house warming. 

The Company's factory and home Office is at the corner of Lieb 
:ii,d Wight streets, where the Combination Gas Machine is also 
manufactured. This is an apparatus for lighting all classes 
of buildings remote from the supply of city gas, and is the 
oldest and most reliable apparatus in the market, having 
been in use, in many instances, for twenty-five years with- 
out a single break or failure. Most of the Grosse Pointe 
residences are lighted by the Combination Gas Machine and 
it is almost imiversally known, machines having been in 
operation in South America, Australia and the Sandwich 
Islands for a number of years. A very exhaustive and 
entertaining description of this apparatus is given in the 
Company's handsome pamphlet, " Light for Evening Hours," 
which can be had for the asking. Since the establishment 
of the business of both the Heater and Gas Machines the 
Detroit Heating and Lighting Company have established 
large branches in New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, 
New Orleans and Dallas, Texas, and in every prominent 
city in the United States tlieir interests are looked after, 
and their goods are on exhibition by the leading members of 
the trade. 



];,'^i ictir.; of WlLLIAJI H. WeLLS 

Heated by Dulloa Heater. 



F.stj , JelTerso^ Avonae, Detroit, IVIiehis:an. 

W. H. Miller, jijclutect, Ithaca, New York. 



The Detroit Radiator Company are extensive man- 
ufacturers of Steam Radiators. Tlieir works are located at 
the corner of Lincoln avenue and Grand Trunk Railway. 



manufacture in Detroit was soon after commenced. In 1888 this 
industry was united with the Combination Gas Machine Company 
under the name of the Detroit Heating and Lighting Company. 
Although not yet five years since the introduction of the Bolton 
into the United States, the Detroit Heating and Lighting Company 
have, by reason of the Heater's excellent record in the cold climates 
of Manitoba and Quebec, and the high degree of satisfaction it has 
given its many users in this country, placed the Bolton foremost 
among the many hot water heaters on the market to-day. It is held 



PAINTS, OILS, GLASS, ETC. 

As applied to our local industries, there are probably few cities 
of the size of Detroit that possess better facilities for the rapid 
growth and developement of the various arts and manufactures, 
generally, and, more especially, upon which the trade in Paints, 
Colors and Oils has a direct bearing and an intimate relation. 
While our city has many other resources that share in its develope- 
ment, it is an undoubted fact that to its great manufacturing 



6o 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



interests Detroit owes its remarkable progress. Its extensive Car 
Works, its Carriage Works, its Bridge and Iron AVorks, its Linseed 
Oil Works, ils Wliite Lead and Color Works ami ils various fine and 
useful Art Works render the commodity, of Paints and Oils a most 
important f<ature in trade. Tlie jilace to manufacture suc- 
cessfullj- is siucly at a point ■\vIicro the raw materials naturally 
accumulate and are indispensable and in ready denuind, or where 
the supply can be made adequate to the consumption, an<l u.'ce versa, 
at a point near to or easy of access to the original source of sujjpl}', 
where there is cheap jjower, skilled workmen, fuel, water or other 
power, and where the facilities for shipping and marketing the 
jjroducts are am|)le. Detroit is (piite able to furnish ;dl these condi- 
tions in an eminent degree. It) noted and extensive Car Works 
alone consume a no small proportion of these goods, while the house 
and sign painters require an almost unlimited supply, owing to the 
growth of our city and its building interests, rendering tlie connno- 
dity of Paint supply among the leading articles of home con- 
sumption to say nothing of their demand abroad. This industry is 
represented by the Detroit White Lead Works, Acme White Lead and 
Color Works, Boydell Brothers and Peninsular White Lea<l and 
Color Works, all of which are noted far and wide as among the 
most successful of our imlustries. 

WILLIAM REID 
Was born in tlie County of Essex, Canada, in 1S42. His educa- 
tion was received in the Canadian schools, and subsequent!}' in 
Detroit, to wliich he came first in 18i)6 and again in 1803. In ISO-I 
he went to Saginaw, Michigan, where he spent one j ear in a law 
office, returning to Detroit in October, I8G0, On January 1, ISO", he 
became a miMuber of the (irm of William Wright and t^ompany, 
which Wi>s succeeded by IJeid and Hillsin 1871, and identified as tlie 
leading and most extensive dealers in Jlichigan in Glass, Paints, 
Oils, Varnishes, Wall I'aper, etc. In ISTD Mr. Keid dissolved his 
association with Mr. Hills, and established his pi-esent business, 
which has been attended with uninterrupted successes. 5Ir. Reid 
was the first dealer west of New York to carry plate glass in stock 
and still maintains that distinction in the relation of being the most 
extensive an<l the leading dealer. The new and commodious store 
now occiqiieil and into which Mr. Ri^id recently removed is located 
at 121, 120 and 128 Larned street west, is 50x120 feet in <liinensions, 
and comprises six floors with ample accommodations for storage 





WII.LIAJI Hl-.lll. 



.TOIIX BOYDELL. 

and all other demands of the rapidly expanding and extensive busi- 
ness. It is provided with an elevator oi)erated by an electric motor; 
also an api)aratus for moving heavy glass on and off the wagons, 
and various other modern appliances and appurtenances. The trade 
territory extends from Western New York to Ohio, Pennsylvania, 
Indiana, Jlinnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and remote points, and the 
annual sales aggregate, in value, f;7oO,000. Steady employment is 
given to a force of clerks, salesmen, mechanics and porters number- 
ing forty persons. Mr. Reid conducts a retail establishment at 12 
and 14 Congress street east, where he carries a full and complete 
slock of Paints, Oil-i, Varnishes, Glass, Painters' and Glaziers' Sup- 
lilies and varied other articles incident to the business. He has a 
brjnch house at Grand Rapids which is doing a flourishing trade. 
Mr. Reid truly exemplifies the prosperous inerchaiit whose industry 
and enterprise' have won for him an eminent distinction. 

BOYDELL BROTHERS. 
Joliii J'.oyilell was born in Liverpool. England, December 11, 
1S42, and William Boydell in StalTord, England, February 22, 1849. 
Their pai'eiils came to the L^nited States in 18.)0, settling near 
Detroit. A coiiimim school education fitted these young men, who 
were naturally endowed with quick perceptions, for a business 
career, and John, after serving for several years as a clerk in various 
stores, secured the jiosition of bookkeeper for James H. Worcester, 
who at that time occupied the building where Boydell Brothers are 
now engaged in business. In 1803 Mr. Worcester's business was 
resolved into the Detroit White Lead Works, and John established 
the paint business with a stock of painters' supplies on his own 
account at lliO Randolph street. Just prior to this move William 
hail secured employment with Mr. Worcester in the capacity of 
shij)i>ing clerk, in which he continued until the change was made to 
the Detroit White Lead Works and the removal of their office, when 
he became assoiiated with John in the painters' supply bussiness, 
which they conducted with mai'ked success. William acted as 
the manager of this venture and John gave his attention to the 
business in the same line which he had previously established on 
Randolph street. When John embarked in business for himself he 
had hut §200 incash, but he possessed unlimited credit, and during the 
nine years he comlucled business on Randolph street he was eminent- 
ly successful. Selling out his Randolph street store in 1874, he pur- 
chased an interest in the Detroit White Lead Works, the style of the 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



6i 



firm being changed to Worcester, Boydell & Company. William, 
during this whole period, had been personally conducting the busi- 
ness in which John owned an interest. In 1875 Worcester, Boydell 
& Company failed and John went to England, where he remained 
five months. Tlie failure was not occasioned by any neglect or 
want of energy on John's part, but to the unreasonable and unnatural 
use of the business cajiital by his partners. Returning from England 
in 1876, John formed a co-partnership with William, and they began 
the manufacture of paints in a small room over Michel's machine 
sliop at the corner of Fort and Beaubien streets. Together they 
possessed but .f 1,000 in cash and tlie stock of the Congress street 
store valued at between .|4,000 and !|;5,000. They exhausted their 
cash capital in the i^urchase of machinery for grinding paints and 
were jalaced in an embarrassing jjosition as to finding the way to 
secure raw material for manufacturing. But a friend in need came 
to the rescue, and to him Boydell Brothers ascribe the foundation of 
their subsequent remarkable business successes. This gentleman, 
Mr. William H. Thompson, Piesident of the Missouri Lead and Oil 
Company, of St. Louis, Missouri, expressed to Mr. John Boydell, 
during a conversation about this time his most unqualified commen- 
dation in the declaration that he could have any amount of goods 
he wanted, and such goods as his concern (the Missouri White Lead 
and Oil Com]iany) did not make, the Boj-dell Brothers could pur- 
chase elsewheie, using his name as reference. To inquiries concern- 
ing tlieir responsibility, Mr. Thompson's reply would be: "Sell 
Boydell Brotliers any amount, and if they don't pay, I will.'' In 
1878, Boydell Brothers in order to secure better accommodations for 
tlieir large and increasing business, removed to the corner of Second 
and Larned streets. Outgrowing the capacities there, they, in 1880, 
removed to their present commodious and thoroughly equipped 
factory and salesroom. The facilities for manufacturing are of the 
latest and most improved character, and include specially devised 
machinery and all necessary appliances for conducting the manu- 
facture of jjaints upon the large scale demanded by the extensive 
trade relations of the house, which embrace Michigan, Indiana, 
Ohio and Wisconsin, and which is constantly being expanded under 
a strong and spirited demand. The buildings now occupied are a 
large five-story factory, 5.3x75 feet in dimensions, and an additional 
structiu-e of five stories, 78x1.38 feet in dimensions. Tlie offices and 
salesrooms are at tlie corner of Bates and Congress streets and the 
works are located at 39, 41 and 43 Fort street east. A force of thirty 




skilled hands is employed and the annual output of products aggre- 
gates in value a quarter of a million. The line of products embraces 
prepared jiaints, colored leads, zincs, brushes and painters' supplies 
generall}-. In the manufacture of paints Detroit is especially promi- 
nent and distinguished, and in this relation the house of Boydell 
Brothers is conceded to be one of the leading and most successful. 



.^o^^'Z^'S^-^ * 



V^'^""^**^.!! r. 





„it v'y 5 













i^ 



Wy^^-^-^^^' 






WILLIAJI I5(.lYDEI.L. 



DETKOIT LINSEED OIL WORKS. 

The great fame which attaches to the Englisli family of Boydell and 
whicli was chiefly transmitted by John Boydell, who, in 1-785, estab- 
lished in London a gallery of paintings in illustration of the noted 
characters in Shakespearean drama, has been well and worthily 
sustained by his American descendants, of wliom John and William 
Boydell (Boydell Brotherf), of Detroit, have, by their enterprise, 
energy and undaunted i3ush in business, furnished the most credit- 
able emulations. Their illustrious ancestor, John Boydell, became 
Lord Mayor of London, but it has been quite as honorable and 
distinguished that Jolin and William Boydell, in the American 
Republic should hold as manufacturers the trade of their house 
has been pleased to accord, a position which distinguislies and 
naturally enobles them. 

DETROIT LINSEED OIL Yv^ORICS. 
Tiiis industry was established in ISS.) and is a branch of the 
National Lhiseed Oil Company, having steailily advanced its inter- 
ests to the occupanc3'of o:i3 of the leading manufacturing identities 
of the West. The products are Linseed Oil and Oil Meal, for which 
a large demand has been created east of Lake Micliigan. The 
facilities for manufacturing are of the best and most modern 
description. The mid building occupied, corner of Lieb and Wight 
streets, is 73x100 feet in dimensions, and the seed house, 50x50, 
which, with oil store sheds, afford ample accommodations for their 
extensive business. The annual output is large and the trade is of 
constant ex|)ansion under the influence of increasing demand. The 
Offices are at 23 East Congi-ess street, near Woodward avenue. 

PENINSULAR WHITE LEAD AND COLOR WORKS. 

Pi-esident, R. P. Williams ; Vioe-President and Manager, O. D. 
Goodell ; Treasurer, J. S. Farrand Jr. ; Secretary, A. S. Brooks ; 
Auditor, H. C. Clark. Manufacturers of Fine Color.;, dry and in 
oil, Mixed Paints and Painters' Goods generally. Factory and 
Officej, corner of Lieb and Wight streets. Auion,^ t'.ie most prom- 
inent and important manufacturing institutions of Detroit, and one 
which has, since its foundation, been invested with the highest 
claims to recognition and patronage by reason of the exceptionally 
salable character of its products, is the Peninsular Wliite Lead and 
Color Works, established 1)3' Fari-and, Williams & Compan\-, in 
1880. It has since been conducted as a separate and distinct 
industry and has so advanced its trade relations as to embrace 
every section of the United States from JIainc to California. The 
factory buildings cover an area of 150x250 feet, with large area for 
increase, etc., and are substantially constructed of brick, tlio main 
building has three stories and the supiilemental structures, one 



62 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



story in height, with underlying basements designed specifically to 
meet the fullest demands of the business in all of its varied details. 
Tlie factory is coni|ileti'l\- ecjuiinied with the most improved 
modern machiner}- and appliances, affording facilitii?s for manu- 
facturing unsurpassed in the country. The annual output of 
colors, paints, and jjainters supplies represents a value of $150,000, 
and the demand is so constantly increasing as soon to necessitate 
additional facilities to properly supply it. Tlie Company is com- 
posed of some of Detroit's most distinguished and intluential citi- 
zens whose ambitions are directed to the city's occupation and im- 
I>rovenient of general commercial resources. Tlie capital stock is 
|;10(1,000 and ^300,000 is under safe investment by the Company. 
A large force of skillccl bands are given constant employment and 
every department is under the ri>;i 1 direction and scrujiulous man- 
agement of capable and i)ractical superintendents. Detroit pos- 
essesses in this establishment a most valualile auxibary and one 
wliich through its enterprising direction commands for the city in 
its special products the most generally recognized distinction and 
trade sustenance. 

Olivek D. GooDlcrx General JIanager and Vice President of the 
Peninsular White Lead and Color Works, was born at Cambridge, 
Mass., January 20, is;i;!, and was sprung in the family line from 
which Oliver Cromwell the Protector of England under the Com- 
monwealth emanate. Tlie sturdy character of his illustrious ances- 
tors was committed to him ami the manner of its emulation is 
shown in the following sketcli. During his early years he re- 
memoved with his jiaients to Salem, Mass., where he attended the 
imblic schools, graduating from the noted Salem High School at 
the age of 15. During the six years succeeding, he was in his 
father's blacksmith shop, and subsequently accepted a position in 
the Globe Locomotive Works at Soutli Boston, where he continued 
until 18.>5, when he went to California, locating at San Francisco 
where he became engaged in the business of repairing steamship 
machinery. Returning to Boston in 18G0 by way of the Isthmus, 
he resumed his former connection with tlie Globe Locomotive 
Works in the relation of erecting naval engines. He erected en- 
gines in the Housatoiiic and other noted ships of the United States 
Navy. Inisr)4liewas appointed Assistant Superintendent of the 
St.Louis Lead and Oil Company of St.Louis. Mo., which position lie 
filled with signal ability and credit until 1808. He subsequently be- 
came interested in various enterprises at Elmira, N. Y. In 1871 
he was recalled by the St.Louis Lead and Oil Company to act as 





PENINSULAR WHITE iAi.KD AND COLOR WORICS 



OUVEK D. OOODELL. 

Superintendent, continuing in that relation until 1875, after which 
he became again associated in the paint and oil business at the 
East. In 1881 lie accepted the position of Superintendent of the Als- 
ton Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, remaining until Septem- 
ber, 188!). Failing health at that time demanding absolute rest, he 
went East and sjient some time in revisiting old friends and the 
scenes of his boyhood. In October, 1889, he was induced to accept 
the management of the Peninsular White Lead and C'olor Works 
at Detroit, where he has since been instrumental in largely aug- 
menting the interests of the business 
through his jiractical knowledge of its 
varied details. Mr. Goodell possesses 
in a remarkable degree the qualities 
and characteristics which fit him for 
the position he occupie-s and which 
he has invested with the most eminent 
distinction. He had a son who inher- 
ited liis fatl>er's capabilities, who was 
tlie Superintendent of the manufac- 
ture of paints and varnishes far tlie 
John W. Masury and Sons Company, 
of Brooklyn, N. Y., a position which 
he filled with distinguished zeal and 
elliiiency. Mr. Goodell was murried 
at Salem, Mass., and lia<l three chil- 
dren, one son and two daughters. One 
of his daughters is the wife of Mr. E. 
A. Ciozier of tiie staff of the New York 
Woild. His brother, Abner C. Good- 
ell. Jr.. is the author of a compilntiou 
of the Province laws of Massachusetts, 
published in several volumes and gen- 
I'rally recognized as a valualile contri- 
bution to the legal history of that 
state. Ill all of his relations, Mr. Oliver 
D. Goodell has exhibited the strong 
phases of character which attach to his 
exemplary progenitors and is a credit- 
table representative of them a.s well 
as of the city which is the home of his 
adoption. 




DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



6£ 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 

Shoes anfl foot wear are so essentially promotive of man's 
comfort and protection from incident natural foes as to have deter- 
mined, under the inexorable demands of civilation, excellence of 
material, as well as skillful and artistic facilities for their proper 
manufacture. Boots and shoes express as potently as any other 
consideration of human demands for clothing the human form the 
extent to which custom decrees that fashion shall be obeyed, and 
their fabrication lo conform to this imperative exaction has severely 
taxed the ingenious inventions and corresponding abilities of the 
manufacturer. In the United States, prior to 1866, the manufac- 
ture of boots and shoes had been almost exclusively confined to 
the New England States, following the natural inclination of the 
people who had originally instituted the several principles of manu- 
factures which have since been so remarkably followed by the 
handy and enterprising pioneers of the West. 

PINGREE & SMITH. 
The ijioneer boot and shoe manufactory of the West was 
founded at Detroit by Messrs. Hazen S. Pingree and Charles H. 
Smith in 18G6. Despite the untoward influences surrounding their 
venture — the ostensibly unsurmountable competition of the old 
established Eastern manufacturers ami the great difficulty involved 
in procuring skilled labor — these enterprising and undaunted men 
overcame all obstacles and established a business which has steadily 
grown and which to-day in point of jjroducts, reputation and dis- 
tinction, is not excelled by any similar industry in the whole 
country. Such a record bespeaks the careful, consistent and criti- 
cal management, so vitally necessary to the continued successes, 
which have marked the history of the house and which constitutes 
it the leading representative of its kind in Detroit and at the West. 
A fact wliicli belongs to the credit of the house of Pingree & Smith 
is that within their entire administration of twenty-four years they 
have never accepted a chattel mortgage, their system of collections 
having been brouglit to the greatest degree of i^erfection 
tlirough their rare circumspection in making customers. Upon 
their annual sales aggregating over one million dol- 
lars the uncollectible accounts have not for many years 
shown a higher average than three tenths of one per 
cent. The product of the manufacture comprise a full assort- 
ment of hand-sewed, hand-welt, hand-turned, Goodyear sev^ed, 





HAZEN S. PINGREE— MAYOR. 



F. C. PINGREE. 

McKay sewed and standard screw, in the finest and medium grades 
of ladies', misses', children's, men's, br)ys' and youths' shoes and 
slippers, and to secure the highest types of excellence in each sepa- 
rate line, distinct forces of workmen and superintendents are em- 
ployed in the various departments. Since 1883, when Mr. Charles 
H. Smith severed his connection, the firm has been composed of 
Messrs. Hazen S. and F. C. Pingree and J. B. Howarth. It is fitting 
to instance herewith some account of the personal history of these 
sterling representatives of an industry which enjoys a supremacy 
and is recognized as the most extensive of its character in Detroit 
as well as being among the most distinguished in the country. 

Hon. Hazen S. Pingree, Mayor of Detroit and senior member 
of the firm of Pingree & Smith, was descended from Moses Pingree, 
who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1640, settling at Ipswich in that 
state. In 1780 the family spread out its branches, one of them lo- 
cating at Rowley, Mass. and another at Georgetown, Mass. 
Hazen S. Pingree was born on his father's farm at Denmark, 
Maine, in 1840^ and in his earlier years was engaged in 
agricultural labor. He owes to this source his strong 
physical constitution and splendid vitality. His limited early edu- 
cation was derived from the common schools, and at the age of 
fourteen he was apprenticed to the trade of shoe cutter at Hopkin- 
ton, Mass., continuing at work in that relation until the call for 
troops in 1863, when he enlisted to complete the quota of 47 from 
that Hamlet, joining Company "F." of the First Massachusetts 
Heavy Artillery. He was on several occasions taken prisoner and 
bore confinement at Gordonsville and Lynchburg, Virginia and 
Salisburj-, N. C, being subsequently removed to Andersonville and 
the stockade at Millen, Georgia, from which he effected his escape. 
Coming to Detroit at the close of hostilities, he became engaged as 
a salesman with the hoot and shoe house of H. P. Baldwin & Co. of 
that city, but soon afterward became associated with Mr. Charles 
H. Smith in buying produce for the Eastern market. Mr. Pingree, 
in 1866, bought the fixtures of H. P. Baldwin & Co's shoe factory 
and entered into partnership with Mr. Charles H. Smith. At this 
time their combined capital did not exceed i{>l,500 and they only 
employed eight hands. The sales of their products for the first 
year amounted to nearly $20,000. In 1883. Mr. Smith retired from 
the firm, and Messrs. F. C. Pingree and J. B. Howarth were ad- 
mitted to partnership. Tlie business has had a phenomenal growth 



64 



DKTROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




im ^ 




J. r.. IIOWAltTH. 

and tu-d;iy ranks witli the lar^.sl in tlio country. Steady cmploy- 
iiient is given to 1,000 hands and their products aggregate 3,000 
pairs of shoes per day. Mr. Pingree liad always heeu averse to 
seeking ])olitieal lienors, and not until he was persistently urged to 
accept the nomination for Mayor in issi), beyond his continual pro- 
tests, would li(^ consent to make the run for lliat ollice to which he 
was elec-ted by a large majority. Tliis position he has ably and 
conscientiously lilled and largely to tlie benefit of the city in various 
ways. Mr. Pingree is a member of Detroit Post, No. 384, G. A. R., 
and of several social and athletic clubs. lie was married in 1872 
to Miss Francis A. Gilbert, of Ml. Clemens, Michigan, and two 
daughters and a son have blessed their union. lie is a regular at- 
tendant of the Wootlward Avenue Baptist Church, and in all of 
his relations has ever maintained an incorruptible integrity and an 
umblemislied character. 

F. C. Pl.\(ilu;E, a brother of Ilazen S. Pingree. and a mem- 
ber of the firm of Pingree & Smith, was born at Denmark, Maine, 
in 1848, but removed with Ids parents to llopkinton, Mass., in his 
early youth. He came to Detioit in lb'68 and took cliarge of the 
manufacturing departments and designing of styles and patterns, 
a relation he has since ably and meritoriously sustained, lie be- 
came a member of the firm in 1883 and lias labored assiduously in 
the interest and advancement of its business. Mr. Pingree is a 
trustee in the First Congregational Clmrch and a Director of the 
City Savings Haidc, of Detroit. He is an exemplary citizen, a faith- 
ful factor in his business, an<l a man whose aims and ambitions are 
always i)ledged to the advancement of Detmit in the surest and 
most prosperous ways. 

J. P.. HoWAUTH, member of the lirm of Pingree & Smith, was 
born in 18o8 at (Jranileville, Slass., and came to Detroit in 18T5, 
taking a position in the office department of the house of Pingree 
& Smitli. He was admitted to partnership in 1883 and has general 
charge of thoofliee work, a position he has invested with the most 
signal merit and eminent distinction. Mr. Ilowarth possesses the 
most cons|iicuous executive abilities, and his superior numagcment 
of detail in the ollice department has essentially contributed to the 
marked success of the great house of Pingree & Smith. He is a 
vestryman and the treasurer of Emmamiel I'.piscopal Church and a 
member of the Executive Board of the Merchants" and Manufac- 
turers' Exchange, of Detroit. Mr. Howarth is a man iu whom 



are blended the most sterling characteristics of head and heart; 
a ripe judgment, and a tireless devotion to duty. 

SNEDICOR & H.\THA\VAY, 
Manufacturers of Boots, Shoes, Packs, Moccasins and Hunting 
and Sporting Goods, 124 and 126 Jeflferson avenue. This firm 
originated at Tecumseh, Michigan, in 1872, and removed to Detroit 
in 1880, since which time it has had a remarkable successful busi- 
ness career due to exceptionally high character of prcxlucts and a 
ju<licious and conservative management of detads. It justly takes 
a meritorious rank among Detroit's leading and prominent manu- 
facturing industries. The line of ]>ro(luets end)races men's custom 
boots and shoes in calf, kip and grain, lumbermen's and log drivers' 
boots, mocca.«in8 and hunting and si)orting goods, for which has 
been acquired an e.xteiisivc trade in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, 
and other sections as far west as the Missouri river. The record of 
house has been one of continuous advances, and during 1887 it aug- 
mented its trade by fully thirty-three and one-third [ler cent., an 
accomplishment winch was surpassed in 1890 by an increase of one 
hundred per cent, over the i)reviou8 year. In ad<lition to the 
products of the firm in the various lines represented, a large and 
well seli'cted stock of the manufactures of noted eastern houses is 
carried for wluch an extensive and profitable trade has been created. 
The marked successes which have been secured by Messrs. Snedicor 
& Hathaway have been due not alone to superior quality of 
products, but to the management of details and the valuable assist- 
ance of the clerical force and the representative traveling salesmen. 




SNEDICOK *; HATHAWAY S HIHIT AND SIIOK FACTORY. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



65 




C. M. SNEDICOR. 

Perhaps no manufacturing institution of the great West has liad a 
more notable and a more prosperous career and none more entitled 
to the distinction of being eminent coumiercial factors. Tlie firm 
has throughout its business history maintained a conservative and 
progressive policy and has steadily and surely won its way to the 
prominent and leading position it occupies which invests it with 
an identity in the trade alike honorable as distinguished. In the 
relation of hunting and sporting goods there have been ac- 
quired exceptionally high grade products and extensive sales over 
the great range of territory controlled by the house. A large 
number of skilled workmen are given constant employment and 
the annual output of the factory represents a value of ilS.'iO.OOU. 
The building used for manufacturing purposes is five stories above 
a coumiodious basement and is 50x125 in dimensions. It is 
thoroughly piovided with new and improved machinery and appli- 
ances especially adapted to the nature of the produces and has a 
capacity of 1.000 jiairs per day. The reputation of these goods is 
very high and dealers find in them profitable considerations. This 
firm is among Detroit's influential and enterprising maiuifacturers 
who have distanced competition and established for their products 
a large and constantly expanding sale through the districts 
coveL'ed by their traveling salesmen. In this species of maiiu- 
factures as great skill and precision are required as in any 
other relation, as well as a management and direction of in- 
cumbent essentials consistent with enterprise and conservatism. 
In all of these particulars, Messrs. Snedicor & Hathaway have 
achieved a remarkable proficiency and afforded an example fraught 
with the most pronounced and most satisfactory success. To such 
trade factors as these Detroit owes its present rank as a great manu- 
facturing center, as being of the men who have accomplished the 
the most established memorials of progress and trade elevation. 
Mr. C. M. Snedicor, the sole proprietor as successors to the business 
established by Snedicor & Hathaway, has carried the full responsi- 
bility and worthily continued the great interests involved. The 
firm moved to their present building May 1st, 1891 and have fitted 
out a model factory. It is one of the strongest and handsomest 
building.s in the city. 

H. S. ROBINSON & COMPANY 
Manufacturers of fine shoes and wholesale dealers in boots, 
shoes and rubbers, No.'s 99 to 105 Jefferson avenue and 268 Congress 



street, corner Fifth. This house was established in 1865 with H. S. 
Robinson as junior member of the firm and after some changes in 
partnership lelations has been resolved into its present firm name. 
The individual names of the firm as now constituted are Messrs. H. 
S. Robinson, Charle.s E. Suiith and Richard G. Elliott. The exten- 
siva storage and sales-rooms in their imposing buildnig on Jefferson 
avenue affoid every requisite convenience and accommodation for 
the varied details of the business. The building, which is the new 
Palms block is situated at the corner of Jefferson avenue and Shelby 
street and is one of the handsomest, most substantial and massive 
structures in the city. The west half of the block from No.'s 
99 to 105 has a frontage of seventy-six feet on the avenue running 
back 100 feet and is five stories high with a basement. These spac- 
ious quarters are occupied exclusively by H. S. Robinson & Com- 
pany, who require the entire room for there extensive business. 
The basement which is a splendid storeroom twelve feet between 
joists, is used for the rubber department for which it is admirably 
adapted. The firm have the general agency for the celebrated Can- 
dee Rubber Company's goods and do a very large business in the 
whole line of rubber footwear, handling several lines of second and 
third (juality grades in addition to their specialty of the Candee 
goods. The first, second and third floors are used entirely for offices, 
sample rooms and salesrooms. The offices situated on the first floor 
are very spacious and attractive and are furnished with every con- 
venience and modern improvement that can assist in the rapid 
transaction of the business. The upper floors are devoted to storage 
and at times are insufficient for the large and varied stock. The 
Factory, 268 Congress street west, is fully equipped with entirely 
new machinery and all the appliances of the latest and most im- 
proved description for the manufacture of fine shoes. The firm 
make a specialty of manufacturing fine hand turned, hand sewed 




H. S. ROBINSON & COMPANY S FACTORY. 



66 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



and Iiand welt, together -with the higher grades of machine Bewed 
work, using only high grades of stot-k, and employ none but skilled 
workmen, many of whom have been in their employ for the past 
fifteen to twenty years. The manufacture of high grades of fine 
shoes will be pushed stronger than ever before and some new 
specialties are being constantly introduced. The firm also control 
an e.Ktensive wholsesale traile in boots and shoes of every descrip- 
tiim known to the trade, for which they find ready sale in the lead- 
ing westei-n markets. The business has constantly grown into its 
present extensive proportions, and the annual out-jmt now aggre- 
gates in value over ^800,000 and embraces as a trade territory, the 
states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota and 
Wisconsin, in which the interests of the house are effectually main- 
tained by a corps of twelve traveling men most of whom have 
been identified with the house for many years and all control a 
valuable trade in their respective sections. The firm take great 
pride in the character of their representatives on the road. The 
most thorough system is enforced in every department of the busi- 
nesss, and the reputation and popularity of the house have been of 
uninterrui)tc<l continuance. The members of tlie firm are. promi- 
nent in the list of Detroit's distinguished trade factor.s, who have 
e.ssentially C(mtril)Ute<l to the city's elevation in general commercial 
and industrial relations. 

RICHARD HENRY FYFE. 

Descending from a long line of Scotia's sons is found the name 
of the noted shoe merchant. Richard Henry Fyfe. His grand- 




K. H. FYFE. 

father, James I'ytff (thi> name so spelli-d in liis ilay) came to 
America one year jirevious to the Revolutionary war in which he 
served with the colonial foi-ces. He married Klizabeth Strong and 
soon after moved to Salisbury, Vt., his wife coming from one of the 
most distinguished New England families. .Several of his descend- 
ants were noted in science and literature. He died January 1st 
l«l:!, leaving seven children, the" youngest being Claudius I.ycius 
Fyfe, who wasboi-n January lird, lTi)S. His early life was devoted to 
agricultural )Mirsiiils. later in the leather and tanning business. 
In ls:!T he eniisralcd to Jlicliigan, soon after he returned to New- 
York from wheiH(.' he eventually settled in Michigan : his last davs 
being spent in Hillsdale, at which i)lace he died in 1S81. His wife's 
death occurred in 184.S. Six children survived them, all being girls 
excepting the youngest, the subject of this sketch, who was born at 



Oak Orchard Creek, Orleans County, N. Y., Jannary 5th 1839, 
After his parents had returned to Michigan, Richard Henry Fyfe, 
was placed at School at Litchfield but at the earlj- age of eleven 
was obliged to begin the battle of life for himself, becoming a clerk 
in a drug store in Kalamazoo and subseijuently at HilUdale. 
Alwaj's studiously inclined, he rapidly arose and develniitd the 
sterling business cjualifications which have been the foundation of 
his success. In lS."iT he came to Detroit entering the employ of T. 
K. Adams, dealing in the shoe trade where he remained about six 
years; afterwanls serving with Rucker & Jlorgan in the same line. 
In 18C5 he purcha.sed the business of C. C. Tyler & Co. who had suc- 
ceeded T. K. Adams, their establishment being then located at their 
present place of business viz: Fyfe & Co's dov-n store 101 Wo<xl- 
ward ave. After several struggles with reverses and strong com- 
Iietition ho has now reached the possession of one of the finest estab- 
lishments m the west. In 1881 he bought out the shoe trade of A. 
R. Jlorgan successor of Rucker & Morgan located at 106 Woodward 
avenue; from tliat date to 18s."( conducting a branch at that station 
and laterly opening a new store at 183 Woodward avenue, where 
twoj-earsof increasing business foired them to add an extension 
of 185 AVood ward avenue. A year and a half later they added the 
basement bargain department in the north side and again h ere 
obliged to extend the basement to the south extremity. They 
employ at both establishments over 200 assistants. Mr. Mark B. 
Stevens has been a partner in the business with Mr. Fyfe since 187.!, 
and under the skillful management of these gentlemen and their 
staff, they have attained an enviable reinitation in the important 
branch of their industry and control one of the most extensive cus- 
tom and retail establishments in their line of trade. Mr. Fyfe is 
vice ])resident of the Citizens Savings Bank, president of the Wood- 
ward Avenue Improvement Association, director of the Brush 
Electric Light Co., trustee Detroit College of Medicine and interested 
in various other business enterprises. 

A. C. McGRAW & CO. 
This establishment dates from 1833 and was founded by 
Mr. Alexander C. McGraw who still continues at the head of the 
house. The other members of the firm, as now existing, are 
Samuel G. Caskey, Wm. A. McGraw, Thomas S. McGraw and 
Frederick W. Broad. The building used as a factory is six stories 
in height. 88x110 feet in dimensions and is thoroughly 
equipped with modern machinery and appliances for manufac- 
turing on the large scale required by the extensive nature of the 
business. The daily output is fourteen hundred ]>airs of boots, 
shoes and rubbers. The annual sale of these goods represent a 
value of about $1,000,000. The trade territory embraces the 
western and southwestern states, as far as Washington west and 
south as far as Kentucky. This house has had a career extending 
over half a century, marked by abundant success and conservatism 
and enterprise in the management of its affairs. The members of 
the firm are acknowledged as among Detroit's most influential citi- 
zens, ever ambitious to advance leading conimen-ial interests and 
general prosperity, in the achievement of which tliev liave proven 
earnest and iirogressive factors. 

K. r. I!ai,i>win 2nd & Company are extensive manufacturers of 
Boots and Sliues at 41 and 48 Woodward avenue 



REAL ESTATE. 

Shortly after the fire which destroyed the City of Detroit in 
1805, Congress passed an act giving to the city all that tract of land 
known as the Governor Judges' Plan and ten thousand 
acres besides. The ten thousand acres constitute what is 
known as the Ten Thousand Acre Tract, and the land on 
either side of Woodward avenue generally called the Park Lots. 
The old residents of the city were permitted to select lots in the 
new plan in exchange for those owned or occupied by them prior to 
the fire. The remaining lots aiid the ten thousand acres were to be 
sold and the jjroceeds used to build a court house and jail. The in- 
habitants were quick enough to select their donation lots but when 
it came to the sales little progress was made. 

A great auction sale of real estate took place March 6, 1809 
when the Park Lots were sold. All the land between Sproat and 
Henry streets. Woodward and Cass avenues, sold in one ])arcel to 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



67 



Solomon Sibley for $123.52. On the same day John R. Williams 
purchased the entire tract of land lying north of Adams avenue 
and extending about one hundred feet nortli of Montcalm street 
and reaching easterly from Woodward avenue to the Brush farm 
line, for |188.75. In fact the entire tract of land reaching from 
Adams avenue to a short distance south of the railroad crossing, 
bounded on the westerly side by Cass avenue and on the easterly 
side by (he Brush farm including all of the Park Lots was tliat day 
sold for $1,882.09. 

Tlie war of 1812 came on; Detroit was surrendered to the 
British, and after its evacuation money was scarce; few new people 
were coming to the west; no produce was raised for exportation— 
indeed much was imported; furs were about the only exportation. 
Navigation was by sail boats; travel by horseback or on foot— no 
roads — no real estate could be sold because there were no buyers. 
The jail was not built until about 1818, and the Court House not 
until about 1823. 

A large portion of the lands in the Ten Tliousand Acre Tract 
were taken by Thomas Palmer and David C. McKinstry as pay- 
ment on the contract for erecting tlie Court House, but the final 
transfer of something over 5,500 acres was not made until 1829. 




C. M. BURTON. 

As early as 1817 an attempt was made to dispose of some of the 
government lands but the result was not satisfactory. The mone- 
tary depression of 1818 and subsequent years was followed by a 
gradual increase of business in all directions. The steamboat 
Walk-in-the- Water, was followed, after its disaster, by the Superior, 
and then shortly by other steamers until a daily line was estab- 
lished between Detroit and Buffalo. The Erie canal had been 
opened and railroads were being talked of, though few knew what 
a raih'oad was. It was seriously proposed to make a canal 
across Michigan, using the Rouge, Grand, Calamazoo (as it was 
then spelled) and St. Joseph Rivers for feeders. 

In 1835 and 1836 everybody seemed to have taken the "Western 
fever " and during the summer months of those years one thousand 
strangers landed each day in this city. The state was growing in 
population and decreasing in size. The settlement of the ''Toledo 
war " question had taken Toledo from the state and the entrance of 
Micliigan into the Union had deprived us of all territory west of 
Lake Michigan, except the upper peninsula, not tlien very populous. 
A constitutional convention had been held and a demand made of 



the general government to make Michigan a state, and 
thereafter she acted as a state — electing her own governor, 
senators and representatives. In our Legislature it had been 
proposed that the state should bear the name of Huron 
and that the present state of Wisconsin (or as it was 
sometime.:) spelled Ouisconsin) should bear the name of 
Michigan, bvit tiie proposition was defeated. 

In 1836 Chicago had 3,279 inhabitants and Detroit 6,937. Real 
estate dealers went wild — not only on city property but on farming 
lands. The Detroit Journal of June 10, 1835, says: 

" Buying and selling is the order of the day. Our city is filled 
with speculators who are all on tip toe. Several snug fortunes of 
from $10,000 to $20,000 have already been made. Gov. Cass has 
disposed of the front part of his farm, as far back as Lamed street 
for $100,000," and on the 17th it says: "real estate is advancing in 
this city beyond all precedent." 

The C'ass farm had belonged to the Macomb family and was 
purchased by Gov. Cass in 1816 for $13,000, but there were 
many outstanding titles in the various lieirs and it was not until 
about 1830 that he considered his title perfect and ready to be put 
on the market. 

In 1835 a syndicate, composed of DeGarmo Jones, Augustus S. 
Porter, Oliver Newberry, Eurotas P. Hastings, Henry Wliiting. 
Shubael Conant, Cltarles C. Trowbridge, Elon Farnswortli, Henry 
S. Cole and Edmund A. Brusli, purchased the whole Cass farm 
front, soutli of Earned street, for $100,000, giving Mr. Cass their 
mortgage and bond for the full amount. They at once platted the 
land and put it on the market. Gov. Cass also platted other 
portions of his farm and sold them at auction a few days later. 

On the 15th of July, 1835, the Journal says: "The Cass farm 
cost the present owner $12,000, nineteen years ago, and within five 
years the farm of nearly 500 acres lias been offered for $36,000. At 
the recent sales, less than twenty-four acres have been sold for 
$168,000. Another sale took place on Thursday last, consisting of 
seventy-five acres on tlie Gov. Porter farm, two miles below tlie 
city, which sold for $10,340. The whole farm contains 350 acres 
and was purchased witliin two years for less than $6,000." A vil- 
lage plat— called Belgrade — was laid out on the River Road ju.st 
east of the River Rouge Bridge and just west of Delray. This was 
owned by Henry M. Campbell (father of the late Judge James V. 
Campbell) and Levi Brown. This village 'has so completely dropped 
out of sight that it does not appear on any modern map, and few 
people know even of its existence. Another village called "Cass- 
andra" was platted by the late Judge B. F. H. Witherell. "Cass- 
andra" was eight miles north of the city and occupied land wliich 
has again been recently platted into village lots, but for years it has 
been cultivated as farm lands, deserted by those who purchased in 
the wild times of '36. As an inducement to purchasers, Mr. Wither- 
ell advertised that an abundance of iron ore had been discovered in 
the immediate neighborhood of Cassandra, and work could be given 
to all purchasers, as miners. Cities and villages sprung up all over. 
The city of Flat Rock, the city of Gibraltar, and many others, only 
to be found now in the recorded plats in the Registry office. 

Then came the first mutterings of the distant storm. One day 
the paper said: "The eastern money market is very tight, showing 
the results of the extravagant dealings in land." A few days 
later the result was shown in lesser sales here: then those holding 
encumbered lands sold for what they could get —then came the 
crash and the little real estate dealers were forced to dispose of 
what they had or the sheriff would sell them out. The syndicate 
that had purchased the Cass farm front, surrended up their rights 
to Gov. Cass, probably all of them poorer for the operation. Jlichi- 
gan was a state, but the times were dull — and business had to build 
itself up again as it had in the years succeeding 1818. Again one 
advance after another was made until 1856. There were nearl_v ten 
times as many subdivision plats filed in the Register's office from 
1851 to 1856 as there were from 1857 to 1864. The city had greatly 
enlarged its area in 1857, but nothing could prevent the certain 
result of that over speculation that had preceded. There are many 
citizens in Detroit who remember the utter stagnation of business 
that followed 1857. But the real estate business, as well as trade in 
other departments, began to increase greatly after the war, and in 
1872 and 1873 we went wild again on real estate speculation. Every 



68 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



office obtainable on Griswold street was occupied by a real estate 
dealer. Everj-body, who could find nothing else to do, seemed to 
turn his attention to the purchase and sale of real estate. The pre- 
ceding eras of exaltation and depression seemed to hare left no 
impression on them. Land sold for more per acre in 1873 than can 
be obtaintd for it to-day. Then came the revolution and the 
disasters — the mortgage foreclosures — the evictn)n of those holding 
under contracts — the closing of the shops and factories — tlie long 
years of waiting for tlie ti<le to turn— then came the turn. My 
recollection is that the large sale of land by >Ir. fharles B. Lothrop 
as administrator of the Theodore J. and Dennis J. Campau estates, 
in 1878, was tlie first indication of the upward change. The real 
estate he sold at auction went, as we deem it now, very low, but for 
the times, he got good prices and the tendency from that moment 
was uiiwards. 

Since 1883 1 have maile an annual statement of the amount of 
real estate sales as shown by the County records, and the amount is 
as follows: 

188.3 $ !I.8S0..38:5 

(I,:.'si).(r,>i; 

lii.:{st;.iii() 

ll,(i)!).','IIS 

U.liOt.lfll) 

UM),'T.li-.>o 

ir)..V)7,7iU 

2n.7:!i).77;5 

C. M. BCKTON 

Cl.\rence M. Burton was born November 18, lSo;j in the min- 
ing regions of California, where his parents had gone to get cured 
of the "gold fever."" His parents brought him with them to 
Hastings in this state in the year 18.w, where they still reside. 
After passing through the Hastings high school he entered tlie 
literary department of the Univei'sity of Michigan in 180!), but did 
not graduate in that department. He graduated from the law depart- 
ment in the spring of 1874 and immediately came to Detroit and 
entered the law office of Ward & Palmer, devoting his time almost 
exclusively to the examination of land titles. Tlie experience thus 
obtained and the researclies made by him in the abstract office (of 
wliich "Mr. AVard was part proprietor) qualified him for the active 
work of abstract making, and it was no new work to him when he 
obtained active, working interest in the "Wayne County Abstract 
office in the spring of 1883. A year later he took the exclusive con- 



1884. 

188.-). 

188(>. 

18S7 

1888. 

1S89. 

1890. 





W. W. HANNAN. 



WILLIAM Y. HAMLIN. 

trol by buying out the interest of E. C. Skinner and has remainad 
at the head of the institution since. He has made liiniself familiar 
with the history of the city and is an ardent collector of all materi- 
als whicli the nature of liis business as an examiner of titles would 
interest him, books of travel and history relative t > t!ie city and 
state, documents and unpublished manuscripts of like historical 
character and inai>s and plans of the city and the river, some quite 
rare and of value in such connection. The abstract office of Mr. 
Burton is the largest in Micliigan and, outside of Chicago, is one of 
the largest in the West, and for completeness is probably not e.\;- 
eelled anywhere. 

W. A\'. HANNAN, 
Has had his hand on tlie lever labeled "push" about 
as often as any man in Detroit, and certainly no one has 
helped the city to "forge aliead" in the matter of building, and in 
the direction of general and decidedly apparent improvement, more 
than he. It is ((iiite likely tliat apart of h is u'liiuenchaljle activity is 
due to the fact that ho first gazed upon this land of the free on July 4, 
18.")!, in Kochester, New York, a day cl dmed by the sniall boy as 
peculiarly his own, and one well calculated to give a youth appear- 
ing on that star-spangled day the liveliest kind of a reception. 
Everybody gets a lively reception who goes to see him at the Han- 
nan Real Estate E.xchange, 153 Uriswold street. As he talks to you, 
his superfluous energy flows out at his fingers' en Is, for he draws 
quite presentable pictures wliile his brain is workin.g, and his li|)S 
detailing some interesting transaction in his line. But his handi- 
work does not detach his attention or dissipate his forces, as is so 
often the case, and when througli talking, every sense of the man is 
alert and ready to be concentralc 1 on a "big deal."' Though born 
in New York, he is esentially a Michigan man by force of education 
and inclination. He came to Dowagiac with his parents when only 
two years old, and after graduating from the high school there took 
a preparatory course at Oberlin College. Entering the University 
of Michigan in 1870, he took his degree of B. A., then graduated 
from the de|)arti.ient of law in 1883. As can be imagined by those 
who kiiosv him, bo took his vacations working. Wlien quite young 
he gathered in the jiennies by selling pop corn and lemonade, and 
during his college vacations conducted with some other collegians, a 
series t.f railway excursions, which proved very popular and succes.s- 
ful. and where realy thorucleua for the extended system of summer 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



69 



excursions for which the various points of Michigan are noted. He 
found time to gain considerable fame among athletes as a sprint 
runner, and was enrolling and engrossing clerk of the House of 
Representatives in the winter of 1881-83. In 1883 he started in 
professional life as a lawyer, but this was too slow for him, and 
he soon found his natural vocation in the real estate business, 
which has developed to an extent far beyond his most sanguine 
expectations. He was first connected with the firm of Hannan 
& Snow in the Buhl block. Snow doing the outside work. Then 
Hibbard Baker had a subdivision on Woodward avenue which 
he wanted worked up, and he gave Mr. Hannan permission to 
use an unlimited quantity of printers" ink. This was his oppor- 
tunity and he improved it. When Mr. Waterman died in 1885, 
his businef s naturally fell into Hannan's hands and this has more 
than doubled from year to year since. To enumerate all the great 
realty in which W. W. Hannan has been engaged would be tedious; 
but among the largest may be mentioned the Hammond building 
deal, representing nearly fl, 000,000. Another was the property 
of the Unitarian church and Mrs. Menzie's, costing |125,000, the 
$30,000 site purchased liy Mrs. Hammond for the University build- 
ing, and $123,000 for the new Hudson building. He has also closed 
a deal for 300 aci'es to a syndicate of city railway men; terms pri- 
vate. He induced E. W. Voigt to buy 116 acres on Woodward 
avenue, opposite the four mile house, for $42,500, on which he 
could clear $250,000 at any time if he would sell. The Hannan 
Real Estate Exchange has a commercial insurance department 
comprising several of the best companies in the world, which is 
rapidly growing under the management of E. W. Porter, and prom- 
ises to be one of the most useful factors in the real estate business 
of the city, the two seeming to be naturally connected in interests. 
It also controls the largest renting department in the business of 
the city, has from 500 to 1,000 acreage in subdivisions, and is con- 
nected with twenty or thirty syndicates. Mr. Hannan is a member 
of Chi Psi college fraternity, which numbers Senator Palmer, Eon 
M. Dickinson and other prominent Jlicliigan men among its mem- 
bers. , He is a member of the Michigan Bowling C^lub, Detroit Club, 
Rushmere Fishing and Shooting Club, is a stockholder in the City 
Savings Bank, Peninsular Savings Bank and American Savings and 
Loan Association. The Hannan Real Estate Exchange has recently 
enlarged its quarters so that with its present conveniencies it is the 
best fitted office of its kind in the city. This Exchange is consid- 





THOM.\S N. FORDYCE. 



HOMER WARREN. 

ered an authority on values in all portions of the city, as was well 
illustrated in the condemnation proceedings of the Union depot, in 
which the services of this agency were in constant demand. In- 
vestors desiring to place their moneys where they will surely be 
safe and at the same time yield them a large percentage, will find 
in this Exchange all they can desire. Home seekers who are de- 
sirous of placing their hard earned savings so that they may enjoy 
their old age in peace and happiness need have no fear of putting 
themselves into the hands of this Exchange where they will have 
the advantage of the many years' experience of its proprietors, with 
the benefit to result from their tact and extensive dealings. A de- 
partment of this firm to which we wish especially to draw the 
reader's attention is its renting department under the management 
of Mr. Thomas B. Goodwillie, who is also cashier of the Exchange. 
One needs only to meet this employe to learn with what kindness, 
courtesy and painstaking he meets every want of the applicant for 
information. Persons owning houses, stores or real estate of any 
kind will save many times the small fee asked by the real estate 
broker by leaving the same in his hands for general care and super- 
intendence. For the collection of rents, payment of taxes with 
prompt remittances of revenue etc. is a desi(feratum for which 
landlords long have sought. 

HAMLIN & FORDYCE. 
William Y. Hamlin, senior member of the firm of Hamlin & 
Fordyce, was born in Marshall County, Mississipiii, December 9, 1846 
and \^as educated at Menqjhis,Tennesee and the St. Louis University. 
After leaving school, he entered the First National Bank of Memphis 
as discount clerk, becoming receiving teller, then paying teller. 
He remained here for eight years and became cashier of the Emmett 
Bank of Memphis. Subsequently he engaged for two years in the 
cotton trade at Memphis. In 1880 he came to Detroit as manager of 
the Godfrey estate in which his first wife held an interest. He has 
since made his home in Detroit and has devoted his attention to the 
Managemen'; of the Godfrey estate and extensive building and real 
estate operations. In 1886 he established the firm of Hamlin & 
Fordyce which has been very successful ; has made extensive pur- 
chases of property at Iron Mountain, Michigan, upon which in 1890 
they had erected thirty houses. The firm also own large tracts of 
timbered lands in Eastern Kentucky. Mr Hamlin is active in busi- 
ness and is enterprising and progressive. He has accumulated con- 



;o 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



siderable property in Detroit and makes investments with a sagacity 
derived from his long and intimate association with hirge financial 
institutions. He is a member of the various Detroit cluljs and 
retains his membership in tlie noted Tennessee Club of Memphis. 
He has been twice married, liis present wife being a Miss Ht-lm, of 
Newport, Kentucky, by whom he has one child. Mrs. Hamlin is a 
native of Havana, Cuba, at which point her father served as the 
special commissioner of the Con federate States during the four years 
of the civil war. Mr. Hamlin has been an extensive traveler, having 
visited nearly all of the most interesting countries in the world. His 
sketches of travel published a year or two ago in the Detroit Free 
Pres'i, covering as they did, a journey by dahabeah on the Nile, 
exi)eriences of tent life in the Hnly Land, archaeolngical researches 
in Greece and wandernigs through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and 
Russia attracted widespread notice anl most favorable criticism 
from sources that must have proved very gratifying to the writer. 

Thomas N. Fordyce, member of the real estate firm of Hamlin 
& Fordyce, was born in A'irginia in ISfll and came to Michigan in 
1883. He followed the business of salesman until IHS.'i when he 
engaged with Mr. AVilliam Y. Ilamlin in the sale of real estate on a 
commission,, selling during the first j'car vacant lots to tlie value of 
.^180,000. In October, 18MG, he was admitted to partnersliip with 
Mr. Hamlin under the firm name of Hamlin & Fordyce. He has 
been especially active in the business and with Mr. Hamlin has 
acquired extensive real estate and other interests. The firm own a 
large subdivision at Iron Mountain, Michigan, upon which up to 
February, 1891, tliey had erected over forty houses. They are also 
heavy stockholders in the Bessemer Spike Nail and Staple Company, 
of Chicago , of which Mr. Hamlin is vice-president and both he and 
Mr. Fordyce members of its lioard of directors ; of \V. N. Carlisle & 
Company harness manufacturers, of which Jlr. Hamlin is ])resident 
and Mr. Fordyce secretary and Treasurer, and of tlie Michigan 
Brewing Comi)any. capitalized at .*T5,0(I0, of which Mr. Fordyce is 
president and of the stock of which he and Mr. Ilamlin are tlie largest 
holders. Mr. Fordyce has demonstrated in the real estate and other 
interests with which he is associated conspicious abilities, and for so 
young a man a ripe judgment and an enterprising and conservative 
direction, 

HOMER WARREN, 

Who has handsome real estate oltices in the Buhl Block, was 
boru near Romeo, Michigan, December 1st, 180.5. As his father 





C. W. HARR.\n. 



E. C. VAN HUSAN. 

was a Methodist minister, he traveled over a good portion v( the 
state in his youth, and obtained a good English education, coming 
to Detroit at the age of seventeen. He first entered the bookstore 
of J. M. Arnold & Company, where he remained for six years, and 
there became cashier in the Custom House, which he retained for 
nine years. For the past three years he has been engaged in the 
real estate business, being formerly located in the Moffat Block. 
His first year's transactions were largely in Woodward avenue 
acreage property, selling .i;8i:5,Onn worth the first year. His present 
subdivisions are Euclid and Belmont avenues, both Woodward 
avenue subdivisions, Osborii & McCallum's Fourteenth avenue sub- 
division, north of the Boulevard, the Waltz subdivision, and a tract 
on Ferry avenue, near the Peninsular Car Works. Mr. Warren 
does a general business in subdivisions, building lots, residences, 
business property etc., both on commission and speculation. 
Associated with him are Frank C. Andrews, CuIIen Brown and 
George C. Morse, all young men full of energy and ambition. Jlr. 
Warren is not only a first-class business man, but one of the most 
popular society men in Detroit. He is a memlter of the Detroit 
Club, Micliigan C'lul;. Lako SuClair Shooting and Fishiiij; Club, and 
tlu' Detroit Athletic Club. He is widely and favorably known as a 
vocalist of a rare order. He has been a member of the Fort Street 
Presbyterian church choir for ten years, and has probably sung for 
"sweet charity's sake" more times than any other man in Detroit. 

C. W. HARRAH, 
Is one of Detroit's youngest real estate men, having been born 
at Davenport, Iowa, February 23nd, 1863. He came to this city at 
the age of fourteen and after graduating from the high school and 
business college, went to work for J. K. Burnham & Company, and 
was with H. P. Baldwin 2nd & Comi)any, for six years. In March 
1880, after six month's investigation he started in the real estate 
business bj' buying a tract of land in the northeastern jiart of the 
city, and subdividing it at a time wlien there was much less compe- 
tition in tliis line than thei<> is now. He was married in December 
ISiMJ to Miss Lela Kussell, daughter of Francis U. Russell. After a 
trip through the iiuuh boomed cities and districts of the West, he 
returned, feeling that while these places may do to live in, Detroit 
is the best ])lace for the real estate business, because the rise in 
values in this city is steady and legitimate, without booms and 
consequent depressions. Mr. Harrah's business has increased most 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



satisfactorily and he now employs four clerks and six agents in 
place of no clerk and two agents as at first. His specialty is selling 
suburlian lots, and in 1890 lie disposed of about 2,000 in various 
sections of the city largely around Milwaukee Junction and the 
River Rouge districts. He has had reiiiarkalile success with his sub- 
divisions of Urbanrest, and Glenurban at Toledo. He is a heavy 
advertiser and his lists include property of all sorts. He has an 
especially large German clientage and his German agents are the 
best in the city. 

E. C. Van HUSAN, 
Real estate broker and dealer, is descended from a Dutcli family 
originally settling at Palmyra, New York. His father the late 
Caleb Van Husan, was one of Detroit's prominent citizens and at 
one time a member of the Michigan Legislature. E. C. Van Husan 
was born at Detroit, May 13, 1801, and received his education in the 
citj' public schools and in the east. In 1S78 he became associated 
witli the Detroit hardware house of Standart Brothers as clerk, retain- 
ing that position until 1881, wlien lie entered the service of the 
Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, of wliicli his father 
was president, remaining witli that institution until 1886. He next 
embarked in the real estate business in which he has since been con- 
tinuously engaged conducting a brokerage business and handling his 
own property in Detroit, of which he has acquired extensive tracts. 
He owns and controls several subdivision, among them being "Van 
Hasan's East End," one of the largest in the city, containing over 
sixty acres platted, in 1889. Mr. Van Husan has been notably suc- 
cessful in his real estate ventures, and conducts his transactions ui:on 
a very large scale. His sales witliin the past few years have aggre- 
gated several hundred thousands of dollars and naturally place him 
in tlie front rank of prominent real estate brokers and dealers. He 
occupies a fine suite of offices in the Hammond building. 

SANDERSON & KIRTLAND. 
Philip G. Sanderson, senior member of tlie firm of Sanderson 
& Kirtland dealers in real estate and operators on the Board of 
Trade as commission dealei's, was born at Detroit, August 19, 1866 
and was educated in the public schools, graduating from the high 
school in 1883. His first venture in business was with the Black 
Hardware Company, subsequently becoming freight cashier 
for the Detroit and Cleveland Steam Navigation Company 
and for three years afterward served as secretary and treasurer of 





PHILIP Q. SANDERSON. 



WILLIAM U. KIRTLAND. 

the Belle Isle Ice Company. He embarked in the real estate busi- 
ness, making a purchase of twenty acres on Chene street, which he 
subdivided into 197 lots all of which he disposed of in a few montlis. 
He next created a subdivision of fifteen acres on Caniff road, forty- 
eight acres on Woodward avenue, ninty-five acres on Grosse Isle and 
five acres on Vandyke avenue, nearly all of these lots have been sold 
clearly indicating Mr. Sanderson's ability to secure desirable prop- 
erty. The firm of Sanderson & Kirtland was established in Decem- 
ber 1890, by which a combination of talent directed to the achieve- 
ment of the highest success was instituted. As extensive grain dealers 
on the Board of Trade they have acquired large patronage from south- 
ern and southwestern grain producing districts as well as tlirough- 
out the state of Michigan. They have acquired the business 
formerly operated by the Wendell Grain Company and have already 
advanced themselves to a prominent position which being young 
men reflects signal honor and credit upon them. 

William B. Kirtland, member of the firm of Sanderson & 
Kirtland, was born at Vernon, New York, September 3, 1866 and 
removed with his parents to Detroit, when a mere bo}-. He was 
educated in the public scliools and at the age of thirteen became 
messenger on the Board of Trade; afterward acting as a commercial 
reporter, and as assistant grain accountant at the Michigan Central 
elevators. After being for several years connected witlr various 
firms operating on tlie Board of Trade, he opened an office for the 
conduct of the grain and seed business, becom.ing an active member 
of the Board of Trade and continuing in that relation until April 1, 
1891, when he became associated with Mr. Sanderson in tlie real 
estate and grain commission business. Mr. Kirtland, among 
Detroit's younger business men, takes a consijicuous position for 
business sagacity and enterprise evinced throughout his successful 
career. 

SAMUEL A. PLUMER, 
Real estate dealer was born at Sleredith, New Hampshire, May 
30, 1831 and there received liis education. He was engaged in the 
wholesale beef business in Boston for eight years. For tlie past 
twenty years he has industriously prosecuted the real estate business 
in Detroit, also supporting his interests in stock raising in Colorado 
and New Slexico and manufacturing interests in Detroit. In liis 
real estate operations in Detroit he has been very successful and has 
established various subdivisions which Iiave largely contributed to 



72 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



the city's extensions particularly in the western ilistrict=>. Mr. 
Plumer with the co-operation of liis son, John H. Plumer, 
negotiates loans for eastern capital and huys and sells real estate 
direct or upon a commission hasis. The annual volume of business 
of this establishment is very large and gives it a higli rank in real 
estate circles. 

Mclaughlin brothers. 

Robert J. Mc'LAl<iHl.lN was Imrn in 1k4!), on the 18th 
day of July. After attaining his education in the public 
schools at Birmingliam, he went to Greenville, Michigan. 
Here he was in the hardware business until 1879, when lie 
engaged in the excursion business witli his brother. He was 
connected with various enterprises in different parts of the state till 
ISH.'J. when he went into the real estate business. He has made some 
heavy transfers in this line, his first subdivision being at the corner 
of Hancock avenue west and Seventh '■treet. This was platted into 
seventeen lots, all sold in a short time under a building restriction, 
and now contains fine residences. He bought ten lots, r)()xl34 feet 
each on Lincoln avenue ; platted a subdivision of twenty lots on 




SAMUEL A. PLU3IEK. 

Hancock east and Warren avenues, which sold in sixty days and 
has doubled in value. With otiiers he bought thirty-three lots on 
Frederick street and Kirby avenue; in 1887 he purchased a subdi- 
vision of 16;J lots lying on Vinewood avenue, known as the Banner 
subdivision. All these were soon resold and many of them are 
built up with fine residences, due to the building restriction under 
which they were sold. In 1888 in connection with liis brother, lie 
purchased 1,000 feet front on the Boulevard, north of Jefferson 
avenu<>, which they sold during the year. In January, ]s!)0, he and 
his l)rotlur joined forces for good. Among tlieir deals have been 
the punliase of four acres on Milwaukee avenue, Avliich was platted 
into tliirty lots and sob! in two months; twenty-nine acres on 
Woodward avenue north of the toll gate, running through to Craw- 
ford street and subdivided into 1.j3 lots; 120 acres on the River 
Rouge afterward sold for .«;:iO,000. The last Woodward avenue sub- 
division has been about half sold, and the remainder is beino- 
handled by the McLaughin Brothers to the best possible advantage. 
This firm's dealings in real estate have all been conducted on the 
sound basis of practical knowledge. Knergctic, upright and pro- 
gressive, they have done much to lielp build up the city's best 
interests. 




IIOBEIM- .J. .Mi^' LAUtiULlN". 

Joseph R. JIcLauuhlin was born in Detroit, June 5th, 1851. 
His father ami mother were Oakland County people. His parents 
moved from Detroit when he was about two years okl, returning to 
Oakland t'oimty; thence they went to Brighton, Livingston County, 
where his father was engaged in farming. In 18(13 t\ie family 
moved to Birmingham, where they resided for four years, going 
then to the oil region in Pennsylvania, where his father was 
engaged in the grocery and provision business. His mother died in 
Pitthold City, Pennsylvania, in 1866; shortly after this the family 




JOSEPH R. MCLAUGULI.N. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



I'o 



returned to Birmingham, where Mr. McLaughlin's fatlier suon after 
(lied. At the age of eighteen years, Mr. McLaughlin entered the 
high scliool in Birmingham, and continued his endeavors for an 
education for ten consecutive years, graduating at the University 
of Michigan in the literary and law departments. He was a 
member of the class of 1877 in the literai-y department, and of 1879 
in the law department. During this period, Mr. McLaughlin paid 
the entire expenses of his education, earning the money as he pro- 
ceeded. In 1S76, Mr. McLaughlin was in the junior class at the 
University. Desiring to go to the Centennial Exposition, and the 
expense being great, he arranged an excursion fr(_)m Detroit to 
Philadelphia, whicli was one of the largest and most conspicuous 
excursions that left the state during that year and was named " The 
University of Michigan Excursion." This enterprise gave him an 
insight into railway busiaess, and an acquaintance with raih-oad 
men which he afterwards utilized. He was the first man in Michi- 
gan to make local excursions from the interior of the state to 
the city a business, and engaged in this in company with his 
brother, Robert, with considerable profit for several seasons after- 
wards. In 1879 he entered into the practice of law with William L. 
Carpenter, and retained this rclati(inshi|) for three years. In 1883 
Mr. McLaughlin organized the Micliigan Lumber Company for the 
purpose of manufacturing hard-wood bill stuff. This comi)any 
furnished all the oak used by the Union Depot C'ompany in the con- 
struction of their docks and elevators. Early in 1886 Mr. 
McLaughlin thought he could see a future for electrical enterprises 
and undertook the organization of the Edison Company in Detroit. 
This company was organized in just six weeks from the time he 
undertook it, although at the time it was the lai-gest Edison illumi- 
nating company in the United States except one — the Pearl Street 
Station, New York City — and had a capital of .^250,000. Besides 
organizing this company, Sir. McLaughlin was its Secretary and 
Manager during the constiuction of the plant and tlie first two 
years of its operation, placing it upon a good paying basis. The 
Edison General Company, however, recognized his ability as an 
organizer, and made him their general agent for Ohio, where lie 
organized several companies, among which is the Columbus Edison 
Electric Company. He was appointed during this same period the 
agent of the Sprague Electric Railway Motor Company, and 
sold several large railway equipments in Cincinnati, Columbus, 
Dayton, Piqua and other Ohio towns. Mr. McLaughlin 






w. T. MCGRAW. 



FRANK J. WILLETTE. 

has been directly and indirectly engaged in real estate business in 
this city for tlie past eight years, and is now giving his entire time 
to that business. Besides the real estate transactions of the firm of 
McLaughlin Brothers, Mr. J. R. McLaughlin is interested in the 
following on his own account; he has a subdivision on Woodward 
avenue, known as the Josephine Avenue Subdivision, also an 
interest in thirty acres on the corner of Woodward avenue and the 
CaniflE road, which will be subdivided and put into the market in 
the spring of 1893. 

WILLIAJl T. JIcGRAW, 
Proprietor of tlie Detroit Tobacco Company and jjart owner of 
McGraw's subdivisions, was born at Livonia, Michigan, and edu- 
cated in the public schools at Plymouth, Michigan, and Goldsmith's 
Business University at Detroit. After leaving school he entered the 
First National Bank of Plymouth, Michigan, where he continued 
for two years, subsequent!}' engaging in the fire insuiance business 
for one year. His next employment was with the Globe Tobacco 
Works. Detroit. _ He next engaged in the real estate business, open- 
ing up McGraw's subdivision of fifty-three acres on Grand River 
avenue in 1883, an enterprise in which he was eminently successful. 
In 1884 he, together with his brother, 11. McGraw, established the 
Detroit Tobacco Comijany, as a general jobbing business and has 
acquired a trade which extends throughout the United States. In 
1890 he opened up with Mr. Philip G. Sanderson, tiie Grosse Isle 
subdivision of 100 acres, known as Edgewater, and one of the most 
eligibly located and handsomest of the Detroit suburlian districts. 
Mr. McGraw is veritalily a man of success who has steadily won his 
way to a notably high position as a manager and owner of valuable 
real estate interests. He was married to Miss llarret L. Fuller, of 
Plymouth, Jlichigan, in 1887. He is a member of the Michigan 
club. He is having built at Edgewater, on Grosse Isle, a handsome 
residence, which will be ready for occupancy this summer. 

FRANK J WILLETTE, 
Real estate dealer was born at Detroit, August 2, 1864 and after 
a preliminary education in the public schools, entered the Detroit 
College. His first experience in business was with C. C. Randall, 
photographer, in which he was engaged for seven years. He subse- 
quently became associated in the real estate business with Hamlin 
& Fordyce, and one year afterward established himself in the same 
business on his own account. His first purchase of real estate was 



74 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




ORRIN W^UJDELL. 

eighteen acres on Livernois avenue, from which he created a sub- 
division of ir)3 lots characterized as the Barium & Willette subdivi- 
sion. Witliin the space of five months lie lias disposed of two thirds 
of these lots at remunerative prices. IIu subseipiently bought Mr. 
Bariums interest in the business and formed a co-partnership with 
Mr. Charles T. ^Vilkins, with whom he purchased twenty acres with 
a frontage on Woodward avenue paying therefor ^;i(),0()0. They 
have since subdivided this property into 100 fifty-feet lots which 
they are improving with sidewalks six feet wide, shade trees, and 
with buildings restricted to a cost of ^2,000. This property is 
exceptionally desirable by reason of its location on the principal 
thoroughfare within the city limits and within four miles of its 
trade centre. Mr. Willette is a member of tlio Catholic club and a 
zealous democrat in jiolitics. He is the secretary of the Detroit 
Electric Soap Company which was organized January 10, 1801, with 
a capital stock of ijs.jO.OOO. Among the younger notable business 
men of Detroit, Jlr. Willette may justly claim the merit wliich 
attaches to his successful business career. 

ORRIN WARDELL. 
AVas born at Rainham, Ontario, April 1, 1836. He continued 
to reside with his parents upon a farm on the shore of Lake 
Erie until his thirteenth year. He earned his first money by 
chop])ing wood at sixty cents per cord. In 18,50 ho was apprenticed 
to the harness business at Gowanda, New York, where he continued 
for about one year and a half. Returning to Canada, he worked at 
his trade for about two years. He subsequently engaged in the 
trucking business in Hamilton for about a year, after which he con- 
ducted a butclier shop in Selkirk for about the same period, and then 
resumed the harness business in Wellington Square. He was married 
about this Ihiie to Miss Mary Tenock. Removing to Grimsby, he 
again made a venture in the harness business, but soon disposed of 
it in a trade for a patent churn which proved a failure. He next 
started an eating house at St. Catherines, and at the lapse of six 
months he began his duties as overseer of construction of the Great 
Western Railroad. The panic of 1867 deprived Mr. Wardell of every 
dollar he possessed. He walked from Hamilton to Toronto, a dis- 
tance of forty miles, with only six cents in his pocket. Arriving at 
Toronto, he procured work at house-moving, an occupation he after- 
ward followed, combining it with wrecking, for several years, doing 
a very profitable business. Raising a sunken vessel loaded with 



crockery and other kinds of merchandise, which fell to him, he dis- 
posed of it at auction realizing a large amount of cash. From this 
time forward he was engaged in the auction business. Coming to 
Detroit in 1872 he opened large auction rooms and subsequently 
merged the business into a wholesale relation. In 1883 he began to 
invest in real estate and to give his attention to extensive operations 
in that line, ac(}uiring a merited i>roniinence and distinction. The 
present firm of O. Wardell & Son make a specialti' of selling real 
estate at auction. During Ix'JO tliey .sold 743 vacant lots and sixty- 
nine houses and lots. Mr. Wardell has essentially contributed to the 
improvement of Lincoln avenue upon which he resides. He is a 
genial, sociable and hospitable gentleman, fond of fine horses and 
the g(K)d things of life. His son Charles R. is actively engaged in 
the business. Mr. Wardell owns an elegant cottage at Maceday 
Lake where his summers are spent anii<l the refreshing and refining 
influences that there surround him. 

J. B. MOLONEY. 
If the rapid progress, steady growth and flourishing condition 
of the market in real estate in and around Detroit, can be popularly 
styled a "boom" then Mr. J. B. Moloney deserves credit as one of 
the chief among boomers, for with this enterprising gentleman's 
name is insejiarably connected that of Detroit's prosperity as a rap- 
idly growing city. Mr. Moloney was the prime mover in advancing 
the value and consequent improvements in property in and around 
Michigan avenue and vicinity, also in suburban property at Dear- 
born, which handsome and desirable location for residents, prom- 
ises to become a city in itself at no distant period of time, which Mr. 
Moloney is so instrumental in hastening. He has long been an ex- 
tensive dealer in property in the northwest portion of the city, and 
has perhaps bought and sold more acres in that region than most 
dealers have during the same period of time. Jlr. Molonej' has also 
been ]irominently connected with the (iovernment and also with 
local afliairs. He has served as clerk of Wayne county wliich 
position he resigned for the Revenue department as collector of 
revenue, from which oOice he proceeded to the Controllersliip of the 
city, which he was linall)- compelled to resign in order to attend to 
his rapidly growing business in the line of real estate which seems 
to be his peculiar forte. Mr. Moloney has resided in Detroit since 
186.5; he was a native of Illinois and received his education at 
Bishops College, in Lenno.xville in Lower Canada. Under his 
watchful eye the northwestern portion of Detroit has rapidly ad- 







^ 






.1. I;. .MuLu.NEY. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



75 




also purchased 200 lots from John M. Dwyer near Nallville, and in 
1890 lie sold $3ij,000 of property on Woodward avenue, besides 
extensive tracts in other directions. He has an office at 614 
Hammond building and is prominently identified with the great 
real estate interests of the city. 



ALBERT E. PEPPERS. 

vanoed in the value of its real estate. He now controls a large tract 
north of the city. From his youth lie lias been attached to the in- 
terests of his home and fellow citizens, and is permanently located 
in business at No. 519 Hammond building. 

PEPPERS & IRVINE. 
Albert E. Peppers, of the real estate firm of Peppers & Irvine, 
was born February 21, 1843 at Terre Haute, Indiana, and was edu- 
cated in the schools of that city. He served his country in the war 
between the States as a soldier of the 133rd Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry. He began his business life with his father, William Pep- 
pers, a railroad contractor, was employed in the Terre Haute post- 
office as a clerk for about three years, when he went to Vandalia, 
Illinois, where he entered the retail shoe trade which he conducted 
for nearly three years. While living in Vandalia he was married 
to Miss Ella Prentice, of Springfield, Illinois. In 1871 he came to 
Detroit as an accountant for tlie Singer Manufacturing Company, 
in whose employ he continued for tliirteen years. During the last 
tliree years in this relation he began to speculate in real estate and 
in 1885 opened an office for the transaction of that business, and 
was prominently identified in the opening up and development of 
tlie northwestern part of the city. In 1890 he took in as a partner 
Mr. Frank C. Irvine, the firm name becoming Peppers & Irvine. 
They buy and subdivide large tracts of land and their sales average 
about 300 lots per year. Mr. Peppers is president of the Detroit, 
Rouge River and Dearborn Railway Company, an electric line, a 
portion of which has already been constructed and in operation 
from Woodmere avenue on Fort street west to Oakwood on the 
River Rouge. He is a member of Damascus Commandry, Knights 
Templar, Detroit Fisliing and Hunting association, (Rushmere) 
Knights of Honor; member of Detroit Post 384, Grand Army of the 
Republic; member of the Cass avenue M. E. cliurch. 

WILLIAM EDWARD COULTER, 
Real estate dealer, was born in Canada in 1854. In 1881 he 
became associated with James Nail & Company as a salesman con- 
tinuing in that relation for six years, during which time he em- 
barked in real estate speculations with profitable results. In 1887 
he engaged regularly in tlie real estate business on his own account 
at 161 Jefferson avenue. Among his largest investments in real 
estate was the purchase from W^illiam Y. Hamlin, property at Mil- 
waukee Junction for ijil0,850, which he profitably disposed of. He 



BUILDERS AND BUILDERS' SUPPLIES. 

ALEXANDER CIIAPOTON, Jr., 
Contractor and builder, was descended from Dr. Chaiioton, who 
was the first surgeon of Fort Pontchartrain at the occuiiation of 
Detroit by Cadillac in 17C1, and was born in that city in 1839. His 
grand-father, Eustache Chapoton, one of the prominent representa- 
tives of the pioneer French families, was a builder and an exemplary 
citizen. His father, Alexander Chapoton, was also a builder, but 
retired from business in 1884, and from all active pursuits in 1888 after 
serving Detroit as a member of the Board of Public Works for ten 
years. Alexander Chapoton, jr. was the first president of the Build 
ers' Exchange, and has been a delegate to its annual conventions 
since its organization, He superintended the construction of the 
present Russell House; the Board of Trade Block on Jefferson avenue; 
Newberry & McMillan's Block;Campau Block; Moraii Block; Parker's 
Block; M. S. Smith's building; the Palm buildings; Wliitney 
block; Westminister (Presbyterian church); First Congregational; 
St. Mary's (Catholic); St. Joseph's Retreat for the Insane at Dearborn; 
St.Vincent's Orphan Asylum; St.Mary's Hospital; tlie Home of the 
Aged Poor and the new Detroit College on Jefferson avenue. At 
the organization of the Peninsular Savings Bank in 1888 
he was made its president. He is a trustee of the 
Grand Council of the Catholic Benevolent Association. He 
married Miss P. Marion Pelletier, daughter of Charles 
Pelletier and Eliza (Clicott) Pelletier, the descendants of the 
first settlers at Detroit, among the fur traders. The Chapoton 
family has been since the foundation of the city, prominently 
identified with its progressive interests and many of its branches 
have become celebrated throughout the west. 

ALEXANDER CHAPOTON. 

This gentleman was born in Detroit, February 2, 1818. The 
Chapotona are descendants of an old aristocratic French family of 




ALEXANDER CHAPOTON, .IR. 



76 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




ALEX.VXDKR fllAPOTON. 

Duges, Languedoc in the soutli of France. Many old citizens of 
Detroit remember Eustache Cliapotoii, father of Alexander, as a 
gentleman of energy, honor and ititegrity, and t)ne who acquired 
considerable wealth which his decsendants now share. The ances- 
tors had been builders for generations back, and Alexander learned 
the trade of stone and brick mason in his boyhood with his father 
Eustache whom he eventually succeeded in business in which he 
has continued thriving and prosperous and is honored and respected 
as a citizen of public spirit and integrity, faithfully serving the city 
and state in various important positions. Mr. (''hai)0ton is one of 
Detroit's wealthy citizens, being estimated as worth about $2.50,000. 
He has voted the Repidilican ticket since the Orant campaign of 
1868, but in local elections adheres to the best man rather than to 
party. In 1.SG3, he served a term in the state Legislature, and dur- 
ing Governor liladwin's administration was chosen one of the three 
building commissioners to supervise the erection of the state Cap- 
ital at Lansing, completing it at less cost than the appropriation 
fund, an achievement scarcely equaled in the history of American 
public building. In 1881 he was one of those who selected the site 
for, and constructed the Northern Asylum for the insane at Tra- 
verse City. Jlr. Chapoton served five years as member of the 
Detroit board of pu'.)lic works, from 1^74; resigning, he was in three 
years, afterwards re-appointed by MayorOrummond and served four 
years more, making nine years succe.ssful service in this most im- 
portant municipal oilice of his native city. Mr. Chapoton is the 
father of ten children, five of whom are now living. Their names 
are Alexander Chapoton, Jr., the well-known builder and partner 
of liis father for many years, Mrs. Josephine Baby, Mrs. Emily 
Bush, Doctor E. A. Chapoton, and Miss Felice Chapoton who resides, 
with her parents in this city. The Chapotons are related by mar- 
riage with the Campaus, St. Aubins, Godfroys, Cicotts, Peltiers, 
Labadies and other old French families of this locality, which com- 
prise many of Detroit's best citizens. Among the many notable 
buildings erected in this city by Mr. Chapoton, may bo mentioned 
the Detroit Opera House, the National Hotel (now the Russell 
House), the Michigan Exchange Hotel, Frei'<lman's store, (Hein's 
Bazaar). The Godfroy block, the Jeflfersoii Avenue Presbyterian 
church, Merrill block, numerous stores on Woodward and Jefferson 
avenues, the Lewis block, Buhl block, Telegraph block, Burns 
block and many of the finer residences that are memorable records 
of Mr. Chapoton's industry and skill. 



HENRY HEAMES & SON. 
Hknky Heames, member of the firm of Heiu-y Ileames & Son 
and W. E. Heames & Co., was born at Taunton, .Somersetshire, 
England, October 20, 1823. In his fourteenth year he was appren- 
ticed to the trade of mason and builder, attending night school for 
his education, at the same time receiving instructicm in mechanical 
drawing in which he became an expert. Finishing his apprentice- 
ship, Jlr. Heames went to France, where for a number of years he 
was employed in the construction of gas works and railroad build- 
ings. In 18IS he came to the United States and subseipiently for 
several years was engaged in tl:e building business. Many of the 
largest smelting furnaces, gas works, and other similar construc- 
tions throughout the countrj- represent liis abilities in this 
connection. In 1873 he established at Detroit with his son, W. E. 
Heames, a partnership under the name of H. Heames & Son, for the 
manufacture and sale of lime, stone, building material, etc., a 
business which has since been industriously and successful!}- prose- 
cuted. He is alio a member of the firai of W. E. Ileames & Com- 
pany, dealers in flour, fire-brick, etc., at 79 AVoodbridge street, 
west. Mr. Heames has several times been called to fill offices of 
trust, and the manner in which he discharged incumoent duties is a 
matter of municiiial history. He served two terms as Alderman of 
the Twelfth ward, one term as President of the Common Council 
and one term as chairman of the board of supervisors and was a 
member of the Poor Commission for about seven years. Mr. 
Heames is at an advanced age still active in business and as full of 
ambition and enterprise as when he was a much younger man. 
WILLIAM AVRIGHT, 
Artistic interior decorator, 32 and 34 Fort street, west, 
was born in the County of Norfolk, England, November 
12, 1833, and was educated to his profession of painter and 
decorator at Cambridge. In 1854 he went to London, where he 
completed his studies in artistic decoration and in 1857 he came to 
the United States arriving at Detroit on the steamer " City of 
Concord," November 3rd of that J'ear, stopping at the old Biddle 
House on Jefferson avenue. He opened a shop on the site of the 
I)resent Ferry building on Woodward avenue, pursuing his avoca- 
caticm of ])ainter, interior decorator and paper hanger. Finding 
this venture succ?essf 111 he associated himself in a ])artnersbip under 
the firm name of Laible, Wright & Hopkins, for the more extended 
conduct of the business, occupying premises on Jefferson avenue, 



-vf.^ 



■? 



/ 



f 




HENBY HEAMES. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



/ / 



between Bate3 and Randolph streets. The business prospered, and 
after five years, Mr. Wriglit bought the business and took in as a 
partner, Mr. William Reid, and they continued as William Wright 
& Company for several years. They afterward bought out Aspin- 
wall & Company on Woodward avenue, the firm name remaining 
unchanged and so continuing for seven years. After this Mr. 
Wright retired from active business, during which time he visited 
England, and on his return to Detroit resumed business in the 
general decorative line. Mr. Wright in deference to the philan- 
thropic aims which have ever characterized him, recently enlisted 
his employes in a co-operative consolidation, entitled the William 
Wright Company. Since 1857, when Mr. Wright began business 
in Detroit, he has been the leader in the decorative art, and splendid 
memorials of his genius are to be found in the elegant and costly 
homes of Detroit's opulent citizens. His designs and products 
are standard all over the United States, and his name a 
household word wherever excellence of decorative essentials is 
mentioned. Mr. Wright's eai's are ever open to a meritorious plan 
for pecuniary aid from the young and promising men who seek the 
proper paths to fortune, and few men in Deti'oit have more 
generously coiitribvited to this noble purpose. 




WILLIAM WRIGHT. 

WILLTATiI A. BOURKE & COMPANY. 

William A. Bourke, head of the firm of W. A. Bourke & 
Company., was born of Irish parentage in the city of Detroit, 
August l;), 1864, and received his education in the public schools. 
His father, Richard Bourke, established in 1870 the salt and salt fish 
business, and his son at an early age became associated with him 
under the firm name of R'chard Bourke & Son, who were succeeded 
by Ryan & Bourke, who, March 10, 1886, were succeeded by the 
present firm of W. A. Brouke & Company. The business embraces 
salt fish, salt, builders' and roofers' materials, pressed hay, etc., at 
wholesale. The facilities are very extensive and include a storage 
warehouse and dock at the foot of Bates street, 120x230 feet in 
dimensions. The trade territory embraces the whole United States 
and the annual output of tlie business aggregates ,f200.000. Mr. 
Bourke is active and enterprising and brings into his administration 
of incumbent affairs an experience and acquaintance with the 
details of the business which will continually advance his interests. 
He is still a young man, but he has already passed the bounds of a 
highly successful and prosperous career. 




WILLIAM A. BOURKE. 

Michael J. Bourke, a brother of William A. Bourke and a 
member of the firm of W. A. Bourke & Company, was born at 
Detroit, March 27, 1857. He was educated in the public schools and 
began his business life as a clerk on one of the boats of Ward's Lake 
Superior Line in 1872. In 1876 he became associated with his 
father's business in a clerical capacity, and two years later was 
admitted to a partnership interest, a relation he sustained until 1886 
when he became a member of the firm of W. A. Bourke & Company. 
In 1886 he married the daughter of the late Thomas Nester and since 




M. J. BOURKE. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



that time has had charge of the lumber business established by his 
fatlier-in-la\v at Baraga, Michigan. In this direction. Mr. Bourke 
has demonstrated coniuiendaljle abilities and paved the way for a 
notably successful business career. 

MACDONALD, RICH & COJIPANY. 
Tliis firm was established in 1890 as successors to Macdonald 
Brothers & Company who in 1886 succeeded tlie oris;inal founders, 
Messrs. V. Probasco & Coini)an y. who began business in 1880 at 201 
Woodward avenue, the present location. The lirni as now con- 
stituted is composed of Messrs. George S. JIacdonald, Charles F. 
Rich, L. Burton West, of Detroit, r.nd J. Henry Lancashire, of 
Saginaw, Jlichigan, general partners, and Ammi AV. Wright, of 
Alma, Jlichigan, special partner. An extensive l)Usiness is con- 
ducted in the wholesale and retail relations of ga.''. and electric 
fixtures, mantels, grates, tiling, lamps, bric-a-brac, and artistic 
wares for interior decoration. The firm are jmjwrters of and sole 
agents for Craven, Dunnhilt & Co., and Maw's celebrated English 
tiles; agents for Archer & Pancoast, manufacturers of gas and 
electric fi.xtures; tlie Tent Tile Works, manufacturers of domestic 
tiles, and Sturm & Speigel, manufacturers of artistic mantels. The 




OEORGK S. JtACDONALD. 

buildintj contains five floors and basement, and is 20x100 feet in 
dimensions. Employment i.i given to thirty-eight men in the 
various departments, and the annual output of the business aggre- 
gates in value .^140,000. The trade territory embraces Blichigan, 
Ohio and Canada and is being constantly enlarged under a steadily 
growing demand. The members of the firm are exiterienced and 
able factors and devote special attention to tlie details of the busi- 
ness. 

Georch S. MA<i)0.\.\LD, .senior member of the firm of Macdon- 
ald, Rich & Company, was born May 1.", 1857, atGuelph, Ontai-io.and 
removed willi his i)aients to Detroit when about seven years old. 
Here he attended the public schools until his seventeenth year, when 
he began to learn the plumbing trade with Samuel Ferguson & 
Company, devoting his evenings to the study of book-keeping under 
Professor Ilinman. He subseciuently kept books for Mouat & 
Macdonald, becoming tlieir manager and later manager for Mouat & 
Sheley. At the dissolution of partnersliip of the hitter fhin, ho 
became the junior nieml)er of the firm of Slieli'y & Macdonald. He 
afterward organized the ilnii of Mardoiiald Hrothcis & Company, 
which was in 1890, succeeded by Macdonald, Rich <5c Company. Jto. 




fllAKLES 1'. mcu. 

Mactlonald is an experienced business man and is possessed of an inti- 
mate knowledge of the details of the business in which he is 
engagid and in wliich he has achicvcil a merited prominence and 
pu|>ul:u ity. 

Charles V. Rich, member of the firm of Macdonald, Rich & 
Company, was born at Richville in the State of Xew York,a village 
nameil in honor of his paternal ancestors, June 11, 1862. His edu- 
cation was received in the High School ;it Ogdenshurgh, Now York, 




B. WEST. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



79 



after which he entered the employment of the dry goods house of 
Norris Winslow & Company, at Watertown, New York, as cashier, 
filling that position for one year. He subsequently accepted a 
clerical situation with the Ulutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, 
at Newark, New Jersey, in which he continued for nine years. 
Coming to Detroit in 1888 he became associated with the firm of 
Macdonalil Brothers & Company, as a partner and bears that rela- 
tion to the newly constituted firm of Macdonald, Rich & Company, 
in which his name ajipears. Mr. Rich is enterprising, conservative 
and practical, and is an important factor in the extensive business 
of Jiis house which he has assiduously labored to secure. While yet 
a young man he has evinced business qualities and capabilities of a 
high order and which must rapidly advance him to great and per- 
manent honors. 

L. Burton West, member of the firm of Macdonald, Rich & 
Company, was born at Mendon, New York, September 4, 1849, and 
removed with his parents to Mt. Clemens, Michigan, when but four 
years old. He received his education in the schools of that village, 
afterward taking a business course at Sprague & Kleiner's Business 
College at Detroit. His first employment was as a drug clerk for J. 
S. Farrar, of Mt. Clemens serving in that capacity for three and a 
half years. His parents removed to Detroit in 1871, and in 1874 Mr. 
West became connected with the old and well known furniture 
house of Marcus Stevens & Company as salesman and shipping 
clerk. Tliis business was subsequently purcliased by Mabley & 
Company and became a part of their establishment, Mr. West con- 
tinuing in their employ in the same relations, his wiiole period of 
service in the two houses being nine years. In 1883 lie entered the 
celebrated house of John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, taking charge 
of the parlor furniture and wood mantel departments. Returning 
to Detroit in 1883 he took charge of a set of books for Macdonald & 
Beck, plumbers, and steam fitters, and ujion the organization of the 
firm of Macdonald Brothers & Company, became superintendent 
and buyer, and upon the change of the firm to Macdonald, Rich & 
Company in August, 1890, was admitted to partnership. Mr. 
West's practical experience and sujierior knowledge of detail emi- 
nently fit him for the business in which he is engaged and in which 
he has proven a most valued acquisition. 

BUICK & SHERWOOD. 

Manufacturers of plumbers' woodwork and manufactm'- 
ers of and dealers in sanitary specialties, corner of Cham- 





D. D. BinCK. 



WILLIAM SHERWOOD. 

plain street and Jleldruni avenue, established their business in 
this relation in July 1884. The building occupied has a frontage of 
162 feet on Meldrum avenue and 153 on Champlain street, with an 
additional structure of 80 feet in the rear. They employ 133 hands 
and the annual product aggregates $260,000. The trade territory 
embraces the whole United States and a considerable export trade 
with Canada and South America, has been established. The firm 
have a branch office at 44 Cliff street. N. Y. which is under the 
management of Mr. B. F. Freeman. 

D. D. BuiCK, senior member of the firm of Buick & 
Sherwood was born in Scotland, September 17, 1854, and 
came with his parents to the the United States in 1856, locating 
at Detroit. His early education was received in the city public 
schools and his first venture in the actual business of life was as 
a carrier for the Free Prcas in the mornings and the Daily Union in 
the afternoon. After this he worked for some time on a farm, 
and returning to Detroit, became associated witb Flower Bro's. as 
an apprentice to the brass finisliing trade in which occupation he 
continued for twelve years. In 1879 he became foreman of the 
factory performing efficient service in that direction until 1881 
when he commenced business for himself. In 1884 lie formed a 
co-partnersliip with his present partner, Mr. Wm. Slierwood, the 
firm name being Buick & Sherwood, and under which the business 
has since been conducted. 

William Sherwood, the junior member of the firm of Buick & 
Sherwood was born in Lincolnshire, England, October 20, 1851, and 
was educated at London. He landed at New York city in 1873 and 
found a home at Toronto for a sliort time, coming to Detroit in 1873 
and engaging witli Flower Brothers as a brass moulder subsequently 
becoming superintendent of tlieir brass foundry in wliich relation 
he served until 1884, when he became a member of the firm of 
Buick & Sherwood. 

R. S. BAKER. 
Manufacturer of parquetry floors, wood carpets and ornamental 
borders, and dealer in building materials, was born at Stroudsburg, 
Pennsylvania, August 3, 1835. His ineliniinary education was 
received in his native town and resumed and completed at Flint, 
Micliigan, to which place his grandparents removed about 1848. In 
1853 he entered into the lumber business at Port Huron, Michigan, 
which he conducted up to 1863, when he enlisted in the military 



8o 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




R. S. BAKKR. 

service as Captain of Company F., 37th A[ichigan Volunteer 
Infantry, serving to 1864. After retiring from the army 
he engaged in the speculation of oil. After two years 
he went to Chicago where he instituted the manufacture 
of parquetry flooring, but had the misfortune to be burnt out 
in the great lire of 1871. lie. however, despite this serious loss, 
re-engaged in business, at the same time dealing In real estate, and 
continuing therein up to 1888, wlien he established a branch at 
Detroit, removing to that city, where he has since successfully 



/ 



0r^ 



-I 



"S 



<g 




conducted business. Mr. Baker handles building materials, par- 
quetry flooring and brick in large quantities. He is general agent 
for the Findlay Hydraulic Press Brick ; the Indianapolis Terra 
Cotta Company; the Columbus Fire Brick Company, and Wilson's 
{New York) Rolling Blinds and Partitions. In the manufacture of 
parquetry flooring, wood carpets and ornamental borders, foreign 
woods are largely utilized and contribute essentially to their beauty 
and effectiveness. The offices are at 58 and 60 West Congress 
street. Jlr. Baker is a member of tlie G. A. R. and the Michigan 
Club. 

TOPPING & FISHER. 
1k.\ Toi'i'lN(i, senior member of the firm of Topping & Fisher, 
was born at New York city, August 28, 1828. His father was a 
contiaclor and builder. The son was educated in jirivate schools 
and at the New York University which he attended for two years. 
In Isli! he entered his father's service to leain the building trade. 
He embarked in business on his own account at Jackson, Michigan, 
in 1861, where he constructed a number of large buildings. While 
residing at Jackson he received the contract for the erection of the 
Pontiac Insane Asylum, and during his work in that relation he 




lUA TOPPING. 



GEOROE W. FISHRR. 

removed with his family to Detroit where he has since lived. His 
business was j)ermanently established in Detroit in 1S7.J and In 1880 
Mr. (ieorge W. Fisher was admitted to partnersliip. The )>resent 
location of the business is Room 11 Walker block. Among the 
most notable buildings constructed by this firm are the Harper 
Hospital, Detroit, First Presbyterian church on Woodward 
avenue. Church of Our Father, Park, Davis & Company's works, 
Municipal Court building. Fire Department headquarters, and 
numerous fine residences in Detroit. The facilities are of the most 
modern descrii)tion and include every requisite of the extensive 
I)usiness. Employment is given to 100 hands and the character of 
their workmanship is the eipial of any in the country. The most 
vigilant superintendence and dliecton are exercised and every 
detail is made to conform to tlie best models as recognized by 
leading architects. 

GicoRCE AV. Fisher, of Toi)ping & Fisher, was born at Jit Ver- 
non, Ohio, in 1S44, and removed wlien quite young to Monroe, 
Michigan, coming later to Detroit where he completed his educa- 
tion in the city public schools. He began business on his own 
account in 1874 as contractor and builder, and in 1880 formed a 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



partnership with Sir. Topping. During tlie late civil war Mr. 
Fisher served as a member of the First Michigan Horse Artillery 
and participated in numerous heavy engagements, notably Gettys- 
burg and in Sherman's western campaign. Topping & Fisher 
have recently completed the construction of the grand and impos- 
ing building of J. L. Hudson, the clothier, at the corner of Farmer 
and Gratiot streets. Mr. Fisher is a member of the masonic frater- 
nity; a member of the board of trustees of the Michigan Sovereign 
Consistory, and a trustee of the Third avenue Presbyterian church. 
He married the daughter of Mr. Robert Stead, a noted pioneer 
settler at Detroit, and has one child — a bright little girl. 

THOMAS HYLAND. 

Builder and real estate broker, 97 Shelby street, was born at 
Kingston, Ont., July 11, 1861, removing with his parents to Toronto 
in 1863. He was graduated from the Lasalle Institute at Toronto, in 
18T7, and took a business course in the British-American Business 
College, Toronto, afterward entering the office of O'Keefe and Com- 
pany where he remained six years. In 1885 he came to Detroit and 
engaged in the real estate business. Two years ago he associated 
building with the real estate business and within the past two years 
has contructed eighty-five houses, one church, one club house, and 
four stores. He employs the best architectural talent to design 
plans for the numerous buildings he has in process of erection and 
contemplation. Mr. Hyland conducts his business upon the most 
approved system and is jireijared to furnish specifications for build- 
ings ranging in price from 1800 to $10,000, of modern design, 
fixtures and sanitary appliances. He has desirable building lots in 
various localities and will build houses for purchasers for a small 
advance and monthly installments. Mr. Hyland deserves the suc- 
cess in business which has been achieved through its upright and 
consistant conduct. 

W. J. BURTON & COMPANY. 
The house of W. J. Burton and Company was founded March 1, 
1886, with W. J. Burton as sole proprietor. In April, 1890, Mr. 
John JI. Anderson jiurchased an interest, the firm name becoming 
\V. J. Burton and Company. As manufacturers of the "Eastluke" 
metallic shingles, galvanized iron cornices, sheet metal work and 
roofing materials this firm has won a distinguished reputation and 
identity commensurate with the generally acknowledged merit and 
salable character of the i>roducts. The facilities for manufacturing 





W. J. BURTON. 



J. M. ANDERSON. 



[6] 



THOMAS HYLAND. 



are ample azid include si)ecially devised machinery and all requisite 
appliances. Skilled hands to the number of twenty-five are given 
steady employment, and the the annual output aggregates in value 
over $40,000. The trade territory embraces the entire United States. 
The manufacture of the "B" ventilator is an important feature and 
one which, though but recently introduced, has been received with 
great favor. Slessrs. W. J. Burton and Company have in this 
as in their other products distanced competition and acquired an 
extensive patronage, the best evidence of their ability to acceptably 
supply the demand for their products. 

William J. Burton, the senior member of the firm of W. J. 
Burton and Company was born July 9, 1863 in Lambton county, 
Ontario, and was educated in the public schools at Petrolia. At 
tlie age of 19 he was apprenticed to the tinning trade with Hopkins 
Brothers at St Clair, Michigan, remaining with them for three 
years. He then engaged with H. E. Hatch of Lapeer, Michigan, 
from whence he came to Detroit and engaged with Coulson & 
Morehouse as clerk, but soon decided to return to his former trade 
and engaged with Leadley & Hutton in the galvanized iron cor- 
nice trade, remaining with them six months, when Messrs. Mears 
and Rusch startei in the same line at 74 State street, April 1, 1884, 
and pursuaded him to take an interest in the business with them. 
That firm dissolved by mutual consent December 81, 1885. He 
then commenced his present business which has become a leading 
and successful manufacturing establishment in the line of galvan- 
ized iron cornices, window caps, sky-lights and other architectural 
metal work. 

John M. Anderson, of the firm of W. J. Burton & Company, 
was born at Oakland, Michigan, in 1864, and continued to reside 
there until his seventeenth year. His early education was received 
in the schools of his native town and was finished iu Mahew's Busi- 
ness College in Detroit in 1883. In 1886 he was engaged in busi- 
ness as a traveling representative of the Capewell Horse Nail Com- 
pany in Iowa and Neliraska, in which position he continued for 
two yeai's, subsequently filling the position of traveling salesman 
for Limbach & Webber, hardware dealers, for one ^'ear. In 1888 
he formed a cojiartnership with Henry H. Holland in the sale of 
carriage hardware in the state of Michigan, with offices at room 1 
Whitney Opera House block. In April, 1890, he bought an interest 
in the business of AV. J. Burton & Company, in which he has since 
proven an active and invaluable factor. 

DETROIT LEAD PIPE AND SHEET LEAD WORKS. 

This business was originally established in 1870 by the firm of 
J. N. Raymond & Company, Mr. Samuel Ferguson being the Com- 



82 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



pany. Mr. Ferguson purchased Jlr. Raymond's interest in 1S79 
and continued the business unchT liis own name until 1883 when 
the present company was formed, which was incorporated and 
capaitalized at $50,000. The line of goods manufactured includes 
lead pipe and other lead products, such as bar lead, lead sash 
weights, lead wedge for monumental and stained glass work. A 
large stock of plumbing, steum and gas fitters su])plies and tools 
is also carried. The Ijuildings occupied at 57, 59 and 01 Second, and 
180 and 183 Larncd street west, are three stories in height, the 
Second street biiihling being 63 x 100 feet, and tlie Larned street 
building SO x 03 feet in dimensions, and suitably ei|uii>ped with 
facilities and appliances for t!ie the conduct of the extensive 
business in its varied details. The trade territory embraces the 
states of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and is of constant exi)ansion. 
The officers of the company are: Saniuel Ferguson, president; John 
W. Wilson, vice-president; E. A. Jlorris, secretary and treasurer; 
C. D. Jlontrose, assistant secretary. Mr. E. A. Morris has been 



Black walnut has nearly vanished from the forests, oak is very 
scarce, while close cuttings are made from cottonv-ood, basswood, 
beech, maple, ash, sycamore, birch, cherry, whitewood and elm, 
and new mills are going up j'early in order to utilize these woods. 
These facts have resulted in the extensive purchase of pine lands in 
other states by Michigan lumbermen, especially in Winsconsin, 
Minnesota and the southern states. Methods have improved in the 
lumbering industry as in every other, logging railroads having been 
carried into the very heart of vast forests, which wero before con- 
sidered totally unavailable on account of their distance from streams 
large enough for log floating. Those who long ago proi)hesied the 
death of the Michigan lumbering industry have thus seen it 
extended years beyond what would have been its natural life. 
Not longer ago than 1856, a log must have at least a fifteen inch 
diameter at the top to be considered manufacturable, and logs 
could not find a ready market on the Saginaw river that measured 
less than sixteen inches at the top, such logs bringing $3.50 per 




DETROIT LEAD I'IPE AND SHEET l.KAD WORKS, 

identified with this business since its establishment and is (hi 
active administrator and director of tlie affairs of the company. 



LUMBER. 

Nature has been prodigal cif in-r favcjrs in making Michigan one 
of the best timbered regions of the globe, and by thus instituting a 
principle and direction of labor, has paved the way for the founda- 
tion of some of the most profitable enterprises in her metropolis. 
The lumber district of Michigan has been stcadilj- receding north- 
ward for many years, and the character of the lumber product is 
vastly different from what it was even ten years ago, owing to the 
demolition of acre upon acre of certain woods, in demand for com- 
merce. The Huron Peninsula, once covered witli jiine, has been 
denuded ; in the Saginaw Valley the year 1883 marked its highest 
product of pine ; Montcalm, Gratiot and Kent counties are no 
longer logging centres. Where i)ine was formerly used, hemlock 
is substituted, and cedar shingles are taking the place of pine ones. 



thousand. Where many saw mills formerly buzzed ujion the banks 
of the Detroit river, onlj- one is now heard cutting the jiine lumber 
direct from the log, that of Mcffat, Eatherley & Com- 
pany, on Chene street. But though little sawing of this 
kind is done here, the trade in hard wood and the consumption 
of the same here is very great and constantly on the 
increase. The ship yards use between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 
feet of oak timber. It is difficult for them to find a suffi- 
cient quantity of the best white oak, as they obtain the greater 
part of what they need from Ohio, Indiana and Canada. Wayne 
county can no longer boast of its dense oak forests, as in former 
years, but considerable red oak in scattered trees is cut and brought 
into the city by teams, for spile driving and for building purposes. 
The car companies here are large consumers of both oak and pine, 
and these make heavy drafts upon the forests of the state, besides 
.shipping considerable lumber, especially oak, from other states. 
The manufacturers of wooden ware ai-o large consumers of timber, 
much of the sycamore and other wood required by them being 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



83 




RUSSELL A. ALGEE. 

brought from Canada in bolts. Much of the lumber used by the 
large establishments manufacturing staves and heading comes to 
Detroit from the Canadian forests. This city being a center for the 
manufacture of furniture, the factories engaged in this worii use 
immense quantities of tlie lighter Michigan woods, besides scour- 
ing otiier states and even foreign countries for the best quality of oak 
which they require. The picture frames and backing, cigar boxes 
and other finished wood products requiring their hmiber, wliich 
are manufactured here, find tlie state supply usually adequate 
to their needs. The building interests here use a largely in- 
creasing supply of lumber each year — so, tliough Detroit can 
scarcely be called a lumber center in a shipping sense, it is a 
great centre in the lumber trade from a financial point of view, 
on account of tlie millions which are invested in the lumbering 
districts by the moneyed men of Detroit, and in the amount of 
the forest product that is yearly consumed by the manufacturers 
of the city. The total lumber movements for 1890 were as fol- 
lows: Received by rail, 184,.538.000 ; by lake, 78,085,000 ; manu- 
factured, 9,000,000 ; sliipments, 34,203,000. 

ALGER, SMITH & COMPANY. 

Among the great lumber dealers of Michigan who, through the 
exercise of enterprising and progressive methods, liave advanced 
the business to its present magnitude and distinctive importance, 
Messrs. Alger, Smith & Company, especially deserve the liigli repu- 
tation resulting from the sagacious and conservative conduct of the 
vast interests under their control, which have culminated in such 
extensive holdings, and in so satisfactory a manner. Messrs. Alger, 
Smith & Company, succeeded to the business originally establislied 
by General R. A. Alger in 1874, afterward Moore, Alger & Com- 
pany, and wliicli was incorporated under the j^resent name of Alger 
Siuitli & Company in 1SS2, with a capital stock of .f 1,500,000, and 
under auspices wliicli Iiave continued to secure the most gratifying 
successes. The company gives employment to 1,000 hands and the 
annual output of timber, logs and lumber aggregates 90,000,000 feet. 
Tliese products are shipped to Buffalo and Tonawanda, New York, 
Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio, and Port Huron and Detroit, Michigan. 
They own 75,000 acres of timber land at Black River, Michigan, the 
products from which are transported by the company's large 
propellors, the Volunteer and the Gettysburg in connection with 
their steam tugs, Torrent and Westoott. The officers of the com- 



pany are enterprising and progressive business men, and are prom- 
inently associated with various leading industries, among which 
are the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railway, of which they are the 
chief owners. General Alger being its president, M. S. Smith its 
vice-president and treasurer, and T. H. Newberry its secretary. 
They also possess a controlling interest in tlie Manistique Lumber 
Company, of which General Alger is president, Abijah Weston, of 
Painted Post, New York, vice-president, M. S. Smitli, treasurer, and 
J. C. McCaul, secretary. They own the controlling stock of the 
Manistique Railroad Company of which M. S. Smith is president, 
L. A. Hall, vice-president, and J. C. McCaul, secretary and treas- 
urer. 

Russell A. Alger is not only the self made man and success- 
ful business man, but a gallant soldier, a broad minded philanthro- 
pist, and a devoted husband and father. He was born in tlie town- 
ship of Lafayette, Medina county • Ohio, Eebruary 37th, 1836. His 
parents, Russell and Caroline Moulton Alger, were both of English 
and Scotcli descent, their ancestors having emigrated to America dur- 
ing the early history of tlie colonies. Young Russell, like many others 
of America's patriots, served his time living in a logliouseand work- 
ing for the neiglibors around the little clearing in tlie woods, "at 
times," he says, " for three or four teacupfuLs of flour per day," and 
at another time he worked for a bag of corn, carried it on his back, 
on foot, nine miles to a mill. His parents died when he was twelve 
years of age, leaving a younger brother and sister to his care. All 
these responsibilities, assumed so early in life, went to fit him for a 
singularly successful career as a man. While working out from 
1850 to 1857, lie managed to attend school, thus laying a basis for 
the industry and self reliance that has always distinguished him. 
In 1857 lie began to study law with Wolcott & Upson of Akron, 
Ohio, and after being with them for two years, was admitted to tlie 
bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was with Otis & Coffinbury, 
of Cleveland, for a short time, but never practiced at the bai. In 

1860 he removed to Grand Rapids and engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness. No sooner was he well established than the call to arms in 

1861 swept away all his thouglits from business. In August, 1861, 
he enlisted as a private soldier in the Second Michigan Cavalry, 
being commissioned as Captain when the regiment was mustered in 
on the second of September. He saw much active service, was 
wounded several times, taken prisoner in 1863 resigned and honor- 
ably discharged in 1864, made Brevet Brigadier General United 




MARTIN S. SMITH. 



84 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



states Volunteers for gallant and meritorious services, to rank from 
the battle of Trevillian Station, Virginia, June llth, 1864, and Brevet 
Major General United States Volunteers June llth, ISC'), for gallant 
ami meritorious services during the war. Such is the briefest out- 
line of his war record, during the making of which he won tlie last- 
ing friendship of gallant "Phil" Sheridan. At the end of the civil 
strife he entered private life as :i citizen of Detroit, poor in health 
and jjurse. lie was engaged in the lumber business with Stephen 
and Franklin Moore, the (irni name being afterward clianged from 
Moore, Alger A; ('ornpanj' to Moore & Alger. Under its ]iresent 
niaiiageiueiit, llie firm of wliiili General Alger is jiresident lias ex- 
tend<'d its business rapidly, and witli the Manisti(|ne Lumber Com- 
pany of whirli General Aigi-r is abo iiresident, o«nsll5U,(HI0 acres of 
pine lands, on which are nion" than 1,000,000,0(10 feet of standing 
pine. These two companies cut over 140,000,000 feet a year, and 
employ about 1 ,200 men. To their lasting credit be it said that there 
has never been a strike or disturbance among their eni|)loyes. 
General Alger also owns large quantities of i>ino lamls in Wisconsin 
and in the Southern states, with tracts of re<l wood lands in Cali- 
fornia and fir in Washington. He is interested in extensive iron 
milling operations in Jlichigau and the \\est, is the ])rincipal owner 
of a cattle ranch in New Mexico, the largest stock liolder in the 
Detroit, Hay City and Alpena Railroad, is a director in the Detroit, 
National Hank, has largo invcstmentsin a numberof manufacturing 
concerns in Detroit, besides numerous smaller investments in otlie.- 
places. In spite of these multiple interests. General Alger is one of 
Detroit's stauncliest admirers, and a loyal son of Michigan, 
as his able term as Governor testified, during which the duties of 
liis ofUco were administered with tireless industry and intelligent 
coniprebenslon. Ho retired from office January 1st, 1SS7. There are 
three Kuiijects upon which General Alger's charming frankness, al- 
ways wins him friends. He says: "I never had but one law suit in 
■my life, which I won ; I never made a dollar by specu- 
lation ; I never claimed anything as a speaker, and never 
make long addresses." General Alger was nxarried to 
Jliss Annette H. Henry of Grand Rapids, and three boys 
and three girls have made a happy domestic life complete. The 
elegant Alger home, on Fort street west is the center of much 
generous and genuine hosi>itality. 

MAiiTiN S. Smith, was born at Lima, Livingston County, New 
York, November 12, 1834. His parents. Ira D. and Sarah Snvder 





DAVID WIIITXEV, Jli. 



MAfl;V 1). I'.EXTLiiY. 

Smith, removed from Columbia County, New York, of which they 
were both natives, to Lima, v.liere they continued for a iirief period 
after the birth of their son, when they settled at Geneseo, Living- 
ston County, New York. At the age of ten Martin came with his 
parents to Michigan, where they established their residence in the 
vicinity of Pontiac. When fourteen years of age j-oung Smith 
obtained employment with a clothing merchant in Pontiac, from 
which time dates his actual experiences in business jjursuits. Ilis 
only education had been derived from the common schools, in 
which he accpiired the foundation for his sub.'eipient knowledge. 
Leaving his original employt-r after a short term of service, he 
accejited a position in the ofhce of the Pontiac Gazette, where he 
continued for two years. After this he secured more lucrative 
employment of various kinds in Pontiac, finally coming to Detroit 
and engaging in the jewelry business with a leading house, through 
which he rapidly advanced until ISoO, when he jiurchased the busi- 
ness. With a cash capital of ^1,000, saved from ten j'ears of hard 
and unremitting labor, he began his career, whidi has been one of 
uninterrupted success until he iias become one of Detroit's wealth- 
iest, in(jst influential and cultured men. His eminent abilities have 
jjlaced him at the head of many iiniiortaut enterprises in the con- 
duct of which he has achieved an enviable distinction and promin- 
ence. He is the incumbent President of the American Exchange 
Naticmal 15:vnk; Vice President of the Slate Savings Bank; P.esident 
Aincrii-an Eagle Toliacco Company, and Vice President of the Jlichi- 
gau Radiator Company. No man has done more for Detroit and no 
man more deserves the exalteil position he holds in public estima- 
tion than Martin S. Smith. 

DAVID WHITNEY, JR., 
The well know lumberman and one of Detroit's wealthiest men 
is a native of Westford, Massachusetts, where he was born, August 
23, 1830. He was educated in the schools of his native town, and 
finished a course at the Westford Academy. Wlien twenty-four 
years old ho commenced his business career in the lumber trade at 
Lowell, Massachusetts in a small way, which by his energetic and 
proper methods was rapidly extended, until lie counted the wnole 
of New England and some of the adjoining states his trade territory. 
About this time ho formed a partnership with his brother Charles and 
others. They organizing large receiving and distributing yards at 
Ogdensburg, New York, Tonawonda, New York, Burlington, Ver- 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



85 




LESTEK B. FRENCH. 

mont and Albany, New York, with head office at Boston, Massachu- 
setts. The same remains at this time with the exception of the 
Albany yard under the name of Skillings, Whitney & Barnes Lum- 
ber Company of which Mr. Whitney is president. Michigan was at 
that time (18.")7) being developed as a lumbering state, and to that 
section Mr. Whitney directed his attention. He invested heavily in 
timber lands and made money rapidly. In 1801 he took up his resi- 
dence in Detroit where he has remained ever since and has been one 
of the chief factors in advancing the city's varied interests. He has 
built several of the largest business blocks in the city, notably the 
Whitney block cornei of Grand Circus Park and Woodward avenue, 
stores of R. H. Traver, Woodward avenue, William Reid, Lirned 
street, Leonard & Carter, Schwankovsky, W. E. Barker, J. E. Davis 
& Company and others. Besides liis heavy holdings in lumber, Mr. 
Whitney is one of the largest vessel owners on the lakes. He also 
owns large interests in various manufacturing, banking and mining 
industries. To such men as Mr. Whitney, Detroit owes its progress 
as a manufacturing and shipjiing centre. Mr. Whitney has been 
twice married, his first wife was Mrs, Flora A, Veyo; second, her 
sister Sara J. McLauchlin. He has one son and three daughters. 

BENTLEY LUMBER COMPANY. 
Maury D Bentley was born in Rome, Michigan, in 1860, and 
came to tliis city when quite young, obtaining a thorough public 
school education. In 1878 he entered the employ of his father, who 
was in the oil business on Jefferson avenue. In 1883 he became a 
partner in this business, and the firm name was changed to the 
Bentley Oil Company. The business was sold to the Standard. Oil 
Company in 1890, and in June of that year he oi-ganized the Bentley 
Lumber Company. This was formerly at 36 Seitz Block, is now 
located in handsome offices in the Buhl Block. Mr. Bentley is pres- 
ident and treasurer, Charles V. Sales, secretary of this company. 
The firm's specialty is cutting white pine and oak sliip timbers and 
handling heavy long timber. 

LESTER B. FRENCH, 
Dealer and broker in pine and mineral lands, was born at Can- 
non, Michigan, in 1856, and lived on a farm, attending school until 
the age of 14, when he removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where 
he comijleted his education. At the age of 17 lie began the 
actual battle of life for himself in the hotel business at Muskegon, 
Michigan, subsequently taking up photography, he and his brother 



at one time owning and operating eleven galleries in different cities 
of the United States and Canada. His next venture was in the 
manufacture of cigars at Cincinnati and in the conduct of a jobbing 
business in that line, in which he was engaged for over two years. 
Subsequently removing to Detroit, he engaged in the real estate 
business, which he has since successfully conducted, latterly con- 
fining his attention to the purchase and sale of pine and mineral 
lands and in developing his property in Detroit. Mr. French has 
been from boyhood familiar with pine lands, having been born in 
the region of Michigan celebrated for its extensive growth of that 
timber. He owns large and valuable tracts of pine lands in Mich- 
igan and does a brokerage business in pine lands located in various 
sections of the country. His investments in Detroit real estate 
aggregate over $20,000, and he has valuable real estate property at 
Grand Rapids, Michigan, besides 120 acres of mineral lands in the 
ujaper Michigan Peninsula situated near the Republic mine which 
was sold for 15,000,000, and other property in Chicago on Indiana 
avenue. Mr. French may justly be classed ranong the younger 
men of Detroit who have achieved notable successes. 

Besides the above, among the leading lumber dealers in Detroit 
may be mentioned A. Backus, Jr., & Sons, Brownlee & Company, 
Delbridge, Brooks & Fisher, Delta Lumber Company, Hutton, 
Myles & Weeks, Moilat, Etherly & Company, S. J. Murphy, and 
the estate of Thomas Nester. 



PICTURE FRAMES, MIRRORS ETC. 

THE HARGREAVES MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 
This industry, the leading establishment of its character in the 
country, was organized and incorporated in 1872, with a capital 
stock of $150,000. Ic has since its inception been of continual 
advancement and expansion, and its trade relations embrace the 
entire United States and the Dominion of Canada, with a large 
anl steadily increasing exjiort trade. The line of goods manu- 
factured consists of fine picture frames, moldings and art goods, of 
which in high character and volume of output this company far 
exceeds any similar institution in America. The buildings com- 
prising the varied manufacturing essentials of the business cover 
the whole block, represented in Howard, Seventeenth and 
Eighteenth streets, with commodious and handsomely appointed 




THOMAS E. REEDEB 



86 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




LV.MAX. II. liAI.DWIN. 



offices and slcnk rooms at 60 Eighteenth street. The macliinery 
and appliances for the expeditious and thorough conduct of the 
extensive operations of the factory are of tlie latest and most 
improved description. Constant employment is given to 2J0 hands, 
and their products represent 1.200 different varieties of inoldin^;s, 
in addition to picture frames of ornate and elegant designs, iini(|iie 
toilet cases and art goods of the most superior fabrication and 
ornamentation. The best quality of material only is used, and eich 
article of tlie manufactures is critically inspected before leaving 
the factory. The company employ four traveling salesmen, who 
represent it in the leading markets of the country. Tlie official 
administration is in capable and experienced hands, and is con- 
ducted in the most thorough and efficient manner by the following 
gentlemen: F. T. Sibley, president; W. J. f'hittenden, vice- 
president; Thomas E. Reeder, manager, and Lyman II. Baldwin, 
secretary and treasurer, all of whom are identified willi the 
interests of tlie company and tlie factors of its culmination into the 
largest and most progressive industry of its kind in tlie country. 

TnojL\s E. Reeder, manager of the Ilargreaves Manufacturing 
Coniiiany, was born at Detroit November 4, 1861. He was educated 
in the city public schools, and has been connected witli the 
Ilargreaves Manufacturing Company since 1879, beginning as 
office boy, and rising to his ))resent responsible position, which he 
has filled witli signal credit and consiiicuous abilities for live years. 
Mr. Reeder is of English parentage, and his father was among 
Detroit's early settlers, tlie old Reeder homestead, more familiarly 
known to the older residents as the Reeder farm, being now 
included in the city limits. His fatlier was for forty years identified 
witli Lake Superior copper interests. In Mr. Thomas E. Reeder 
Detroit possesses one of its most eminent industrial representatives. 
As manager of the Ilargreaves Manufacturing Company, of which 
he is a Director and one of the largest stockholders, he has 
essentially contributed to tlie marked success which has attended 
its operations. He is a prominent member of various social, 




HARQREAVES MANUFACTURINO COMPANY'S FACTORY. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



^7 



athletic, hunting and fishing clubs, in several of which he is an 
officer. He married Miss LeBeau, of Montreal, and has one child, a 
son. He is active, experienced, sagacious and critical, and person- 
ally superintends the detiilaof every department of the extensive 
business. 

Lyman H. Baldwin, secretary and treasurer Hargreave 
Manufacturing Company, was born at Detroit, April 18, 1844. His 
parents removed from Connecticut to Detroit in 1842. His father 
was a member of the firm of Hay den & Baldwin, extensive 
manufacturers of harness and saddlery hardware. Mr. Baldwin 
was educated in the city public schools and at Goldsmith's Business 
College. He entered his father's employ in the fall of 1860, and 
continued with him and after his death with the firm of P. Hayden 
& Company, up to Match, 1883. During the same year he became 
associated with the Hargreaves Manufacturing Company, becoming 
in 1884 its s cretary and treasurer, which offices he has since held, 
discharging his duties with commendable zeal and fidelity. He is a 
director and stockholder in the company, and gives his exclusive 
time and attention to incumbent interests. He was married in 1871 
to Miss J. Adele Strong and has two sons. 




J. C. WIDMAN. 

C. D. WIDMAN & COMPANY. 
This establishment for the manufacture of mirrors and mirror 
frames, was founded in 18(35, as C. and C. D. Widman, at Rochester, 
New York, and was removed to Detroit in 1867, tlie business having 
been purchased by Mr. C. D. Widman, who subsequently formed a 
copartnership with Messrs. J. C. Widman, Sylvester L. Rich and J. 
W. Ailes, under the firm name of C. D. Widman & Company. In 
1884, after the death of Mr. C. D. Widman, the business was re- 
solved into a joint stock company, the firm name being retained, of 
which Mr. J. C. Widman became jiresident, Mr. Sylvester L. Rich, 
secretary and treasurer, and Mr. J. W. Ailes, a director and practi- 
cal representative. The capital stock is |G0,000. The buildings and 
yards on Trombley avenue cover three acres. The equipment for 
manufacturing is of the latest and most improved order, and in- 
cludes specially devised machinery and requisite appliances. This 
company is recognized as being the most perfect in facilities and 
appointments of any similar institution in the country, manufac- 
turing their own frames and doing the work of silvering and bevel- 
ing, thus completely finishing the mirrors in their own factory. 
About 100 hands are constantly employed and the products find 




SYLVESTER L. EICH. 

ready sale in the markets of the United States, Canada and South 
America. The character of the goods manufactured is excelled by 
none in the country, the ambition of the company being to distance 
competition by superior workmanship, new ideas in design and 
finish and the employment of the best and most critically selected 
material. They are the only manufacturers in the United States 
making mirrors in completed shape in their own factory, which can 
be produced of any required size, from the smallest to the largest 
known. A constant demand keeps the factory running on full 




J. W. AILES. 



J 



88 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMFRCE. 



time and characterizes it as among the leading and most prominent 
industries of its kind in tlie country. 

J. C. WlDMAX, president of C. I). A\ uluian & Company, was 
born at Rocliester, New York, November 30, 1848, and received his 
education in the public schools of that city. At the early age of 
thirteen he entered tiie employ of Thomas Turpin in his native city, 
at that time the only manufacturer of picture mouldings west of 
New York City. At tlie ageof seventeen, he and his brother, C. 1). 
"Widnian, the founder of the irresent Inisiness of C. D. Widman & 
Company, came to Detroit and established tliat industry. Three 
years later with the capital a(i|uinil from his hard-earned savings 
he embarked in business for himself in a retail grocery at Uochesler, 
New York, and after a successful career of ten years returned to 
Detroit and became associated as a partner in his brother's business. 
Ilis entire time and attention have since been directed to the details 
of the manufacture of mirrors ami niirrror frames, liis perogative 
being the management and direction of the mechanical dei)art- 
ment of the business. 



J. W. AiLF.s, a director of C. D. 'SVidman & Company, was 
born at Alliance, Ohio, April 23, 1858, and atthe age of IGgraduated 
from the high school of that town with the liighest honors of his 
class. He began his business career as a traveling salesman for a 
Cleveland firm in his seventeenth year, and after two years 
became as-sociated in the same capacity with C. D. AVidman & 
Company, at Detroit. After five years of service he was admitted 
to jiartnership, and has since proven an invaluable factor of the 
business. He stdl represents the interests of tlie company as a 
traveling salesman, and is a director and practical administrator 
of its affairs. 

Leonard Laurense & Company are extensive manufacturers of 
moulding and jiicturc frames. 

HOTELS. 

There are few cities in the union whose hotels have a better 
reputation than those of Detroit. Their fame has gone abroad and 




KUSSELL HOUSE. 



Sylvester L. Rich, secretary and treasvirer of C. D. Widman 
& Company, the son of George M. Rich, one of the [lioneer settlers 
of Detroit, was born in that city July 22, 1853. Ho was put to 
school, completing his education in 1864, at which time he began 
to earn his own living as an office assistant in the employ of M. S. 
Smith & Company, serving in that relation for five years. He next 
became associated with the business of C. D. "Widman & Com- 
pany, beginning in an humble capa<ity. and by dint of industry and 
careful attention to imiilii'd duties, rising to the management of the 
affairs of the manufacture. He was given an interest in the busi- 
ness by reason of his superior abilities displayed in liis successful 
administration, to which he lias since directed his exclusive time 
and attention. At the incorporation of the company he became its 
secretary and treasurer, and as the financial man of the concern 
has evinced exceptional judgment and sagacity. 



extended far and wide to other cities and the traveler sojourning 
here to enjoy the advantage Detroit offers to the pleasure seeker, 
the health seeker or the man of business, will find a wide range 
upon which to fi.x his choice while he cannot go amiss if he selects 
any here represented. Besides those of which views of the build- 
ings and portraits of the proprietors are given, may be mentioned 
the Hotel Leideis, situated at the corner of Randolph and Croghan 
streets . also the Biddle House occupying an entire square and which 
tor several years has unfortunately been closed to the public. Besides 
these the Cass Avenue Hotel, the Perkins Hotel, the (Jooodman 
House which are located on Grand River avenue, the Franklin House, 
Rice's Hotel, the Hotel Benedict, Gies's European Hotel, the 
Randolph Hotel, and various others of lesser dimensions. It is esti- 
mated on good autliority that the hotels of Detroit will afford 
commodious accommodations for at least 13,000 guests. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



89 



THE RUSSELL HOUSE. 
This famous hostelry, which, for a quarter ot a century, has 
appropriately dispensed the comforts and conveniences involved in 
the projjer entertainment of its guests, still represents the leading 
and most notable of Detroit hotels. Its location upon the Campus 
Martius, opposite the City hall, and within easy reach of the 
business districts, theaters and objects of general interest, constitutes 
it the most distinctively advantageous point of interest in Detroit, 
The building is constructed of brick with an imposing front of 
stone, and while of unpretentious exterior, its interior arrangements 
and appointments are in strict con.ervance with the most modern 
ideas, as representing the most refined and elegant accessories. 
Such improvements have been made as have from time to time 
been demanded thus has constantly been preserved the identity of 
the hotel as among the best in the country. The offices, lobby and 
reading room fitted up in handsome style, are on the ground floor, 
wliich is composed of marlile tiles. The guests' chambers, num- 
bering 235, open into commodious halls and corridors, and are 
reached by spacious marble stairways and swift elevators. The 
appointments and fixtures are of the most naodern description, and 
conform to the essentials of cultivated tastes. Steam heat, electric 
lights, electric enunciators and call bells, prompt and efficient 
service, sui>erior tonsorial and bathing establishments assist in 
rendering the Russell House one of the most comfortable, conven- 
ient, and desirable stopping places for the tourist seeking immunity 
from monotony and its incident cares. During the past year 
magnificent improvements, embracing thirty additional bath rooms 
and gentlemen's public and private toilet rooms exquisitely finished 
in Italian marble has been made. The ordinary and breakfast room 
has been remodeled, and is wainscoted in Spanish mahogany, and 
ornamented with elegant chiseled stone and tile fire-places, which, 
with new electric combination gas fixtures, new furniture and 
carpets with other modern appliances of comfort appreciably 
contribute to its attractiveness and conveniences. Its splendidly 
appointed billiard hall affords a pleasing recreation to the lovers of 
the captivating siinrt. Among the most pleasurable experiences of 
Detroit that can be borne away by visitors who have sojourned at 
tlie Russell House are the pleasant and agreeable imjiressions thus 
engendered, and the courteous demeanor of the proprietors and 
their attentive assistants, who are ever pronounced in their efforts 
to insin-e the comfort and satisfaction of their guests. 





WILLIAM J. CHITTENDEN. 



L. A. MCCREARY. 

William J. Chittenden, member of the firm of Chittenden & 
McCreary, proprietors of the Russell House, was born April 28, 
1835, and was educated at tlie Jeffo'son County institute at Water- 
town, N. Y. Coming to Detroit in 1853, he obtained a clerksliip in 
the postoffice, where he remained for two years. Returning to 
Watertown, N. Y., he became a clerk in a bank, which position he 
retained until 1858, when he returned to Detroit, and for six years 
succeeding he served as a clerk in the Russell House. Upon the 
succession to proprietorship of VVitbeck & Chittenden, tlirough a 
lease of the property in 18G4, Mr. Cliittenden became directly 
associated with its management and its good fortunes since. By 
the admission to partnership in 1877, of Mr. L. A. McCreary, tlie 
firm's name was changed to Witbeck, Cliittenden & Company, 
and which upon the death of Mr. Witbeck, in January, 1882, it 
was altered to W. J. Chittenden & Company, and in 1890 it became 
as now constituted Chittenden & McCreary. Mr. Chittenden was 
married in 1866 to Miss Irene Williams, daughter of Gen. AlpheusS. 
Williams, and has five childi'en. He is the president of the 
Hargreaves Manufacturing Comj^any, a director of the First 
National bank and of the Michigan Wire and Iron Works. 

L. A. McCreary, member of the firm of Cliittenden & 
McCreary, proijrietors of the Russell House, was born September 1, 
1844, at Independence, a small town in Western Pennsylvania, on 
the Virginia line. His father was a prosperous merchant and 
farmer, and the son was educated at the best schools of that period. 
In 1863 Mr. McCreary made his first venture in the hotel business 
with Jolm McDonald Crossan, proprietor of the historic Monongha- 
hela House, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, which prominently 
maintained its reputation and priority among the more notable 
hotels of that day. He continued in this relation up to 1866, when 
he engaged with Kirkwood Brothers, of Washington, D. C, as chief 
clerk of the Weddell House, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained 
until the spring of 1869, when upon the retirement of the firm 
from business, he came to Detroit, taking the position of chief 
clerk at the Russell House, which he retained until 1877, when he 
was given an interest in the business, the firm being Witbeck, 
Chittenden & Company, which upon the death of Mr. Witbeck 
in 1883, was changed to W. J. Cliittenden & Compan}', and again 
at the beginning of 1890, Cliittenden & McCreary as it is now 
constituted. Mr. McCreary has, since his connection with the Rus- 
sell House, been instrumental in promoting its high reputation and 



go 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




stas: Kss 



;VB,* «. sax rism- 



^^ 'Mfii-. --.- *^'«» •^A^ f^5?fci 



Vi. 






\'^'%L ^-'.SS^.'S^ 




DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



91 



prosperity througli liis enterprising and popular principles and 
superior management of tlie details of the business. 

HOTEL CADILLAC. 

Keeping pace with the vigorous growth of our enterprising city, 
tlie Hotel Cadillac has renewed its youth and gained strength 
and beauty in its rapid development. This popular house 
was opened by Van Est & Gi-aves in 1S88, and altliough from 
the start it ranked among the first-class and leading hotels of this 
part of tlie country, its energetic proprietors were not satisfied until 
they liad done all in their power to perfect and beautify it to its 
present inviting proportions, and considering the enormous labor 
and expense in putting up and ojier-ating so magnificent an hostelry, 
it is a marvel seldom realized that it was filled with guests and en- 
joyed a prosperous and paying condition from it earliest history. In 
order to meet the growing demands of its patronage, the proprietors 
were compelled to extend its already large capacity by the addition 
of an extension which now nearly covers the area reaching from 
Wasliington, State and Rowland streets. The imposing structure as 
it now stands consists of five stores and a basement, and is con- 
structed throughout with all the modern improvements from 
ground to roof. It contains between 300 and 400 rooms, elegantly 




QUARTOS A. GRAVES. 

furnislied and elaborately fitted and equipped. Its long corridors, 
magnificent plate glass mirrors, cool retreats, palatial parlors, commo- 
dious sample rooms, newsroom, smoking rooms, bar, telegraph ofilce, 
lavatories, etc., are marvels of comfort and convenience. Passing up 
the marble stairway to the dining room on the second floor, the plate 
glass windows reveal a magnificent dining liall capable of seating 
over 450 guests, where all that delights tlie palate can be indulged. 
In brief, the wayfaring man cannot err if he goes therein expecting 
to find all desirable comforts outside of home. The Cadillac held 
its formal re-oiiening reception on its comiiletion to its present con- 
dition, on May 18th, and throngs of deliglited visitors inspected its 
improvements which are indeed an ornament to any citj-, and the 
especial pride of residents of Detroit. Quartus A. Graves, one of its 
popular proprietors, whose portrait is here presented, was born in 
Norwich, New York, January 37th, 1842. His fatlier was an ex- 
perienced liotel keeper, and liis son comes naturally fitted to the 
same position wliich he adorns with credit to liiinself and to the 
perfect satisfaction of all who favor him with their patronage. 




JAMES E. HAVES. 

WAYNE HOTEL. 
James R. Hayes, proprietor of the Wayne Hotel, was born at 
Morrisville, New York, Marcli 23, 1854, and removed with his parents 
to Grand Rapids, Micliigan, when but eleven years of age. It was in 
this city that he received his education and where his first venture 
was made in actual business as a clerk in a grocery store. He con- 
tinued to perform service in tliis relaticm for four years, after which 
he became steward of Sweet's hotel and clerk in the Morton House, 




ALBEET MAXWELL. 



92 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



Grand Rapids, steward of the Bancroft House, Saginaw, and again 
steward of Sweet's hotel, Grancl Ra])ids. He next undertook the 
management of the Arlington at Petoskey, which is conducted as a 
summer resort, during the winter, managing the Exchange hotel at 
Montgomery, Alabama, Sanford House, at Sanford, Florida, and 
Hotel Indian River at Rock Ledge, Florida, up to the winter of 18S7 
when lie came to Detroit to open the new Wayne Hotel under the 
proprietorship of W. P. F. Meserve. In the succeeding fall Mr. 
Hayes became the sole proprietor of the Wayne which he has suc- 
ceeded in making one of the essentially popular hotels of the country. 
It is located opposite the Michigan Central dejxit and within a few 
minutes walk of the j)rincipal business districts, objects of interest, 
theatres, art museum, parks and boulevanls and the grand and 
boai'tiful Detroit river, in summer teeming with the sail and steam 
craft by whicl'. may be reachccl the almost inrmito jioints of attrac- 
tion along its borileis and upon the great lakes. The Wayne is 
entirely new and is fitted up in avdern style in the most superb 



popular Griswold House, lias been a man of many enterprises, most 
of wliich have been eminently successful. But he counts his 
present venture as his most satisfactory one, and hopes that he is a 
fixture in it for many years, a wish which his hundreds of friends 
throughout tlie United States will echo. He was ~>i years olil on 
the ."ith of April, 1891, and was born in Toronto. His education was 
of the '•rough-and-tumble" district school variety, under teachers 
whose love of "discipline" was greater than their book learning; 
but he kept at school as regularly as the somewhat irregular school 
sessions of those times allowetl, until he was about 17 years of age, 
also working on the farms of his father and brothers. This was 
not to his taste, and he started a countrj- store for general mer- 
chandise, which did not meet his expectations. When 2^! years old, 
he entered the Royal Hotel, at Hamilton, Ontario, as manager, 
where he remained for seven years. He was married to Jliss 
Maria Van Norman, of this place, in 18.%. Mr. JIaxwell had a 
strong desire to start in the liotel business on his own account, and 




WAYN]-; llDTEL. 



manner, the appointments including electric lights, electric call bells, 
(.team heat, K:imtary plumbing, elevators, ;>'icl every requisite of the 
first-class hotel. It contains 2O0 guest cho -ibers, handsomely fur- 
nisheil and opening into spacious halls ricnly cari)eted and brill- 
iantly lighted. The cuisine and service are of the best and have 
given the Wayne a reputation and distinction amply evidenced by 
its patronage, almost continually re(|uiring the fullest extent of its 
accommodation. In the spring of 1890 Mr. Hayes oecame the lessee 
of the Grand Hotel at Mackinac, which is celebrated among the 
summer resorts of the lake country. He also still conducts the 
Arlington at Petoskey, of which he is one of the proprietors. Mr. 
Hayes is a veritable host and tluirougldy understands and ai)preci- 
ates the necessity of appropriately administering to the demands of 
the traveling public. 

URISWULD HOU.SE. 
Mk. ALBEitT MjVXWEll, the popular proprietor of the equally 



in isfi.") he went to New York as manager of the Union Club, where 
he remained for four years. This brought to him the long-desired 
chance, and he and Mr. Coleman bought out the old Cooper House, 
a famous summer liotel in Coopcrstown, New York. After five 
years of variable success, Mr. Maxwell concluded he would enjoy 
working in a larger field and sold out. Mr. Ma.xwell con- 
ducted si.x eating houses on the line of the Michigan Central 
Railroad for several years. These were wonderfully popular and 
successful until the "flyers" were put on the road, with their 
accompanying dining cars. Foreseeing the cut that this would 
make in his profits, Mr. JIaxwell sold out all his eating houses and 
came to Detroit. After t'le death of James Gerrans, of the Gris- 
wold, the hotel was carr;:_'d on by his executors until Mr. Maxwell 
secured the lease and to..k charge of the hotel in the spring of 1889. 
lie bought the furniti;;'e from the estate, and in addition, has spent 
about $4,000 remodeling the oftices, putting in steam, natural gas, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



93 








^^^^'^:% 



'"l'Pl**li..i'll! 

iiiiMiii-iJiiy 

' Ml 



m 



to d»r^-TSwr- 






1S9 'P9 








HOTEL NOEMANDIE. 





FRANK H. CAER. 



EDGAR F. REEVE. 



94 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



etc., handsome new velvet carpets having been put down in the 
halls asain in the spring of 1891. Mr. Maxwell says with the 
emphasis of truth: "This is one of the very best locations in 
Detroit, and if a handsome new building with all tlie modern 
improvements went up here, there would be no limit to its 
patronage, beyond the limit of its capacity, its reputation is so well 
established from its beginning." 

liOTKL NORMANDIE, 
One of Detroit's most notable hostelries is located on Congress 
street, near Woodward avenue, was opened April 23, 1890, under 
the i)roi)rietorship of Jlessrs Frank H. Carr, and Edgar F. Reeve, 
botli of wliom are tlioiiniughly experienced in hotel management. 
The building occupied is of handsome architectural desi-; ii, 50x ir)0 
in dimensions, and of a height of six stories. It is coiiiplittly fur- 
nished with modern accessories in furnishings, and is fully e(iuipped 



Toledo, Ohio, in which he continued for five years and which office 
he creditable served. In June 1882, he together with Mr. A. B. 
Dickinson of Hillsdale, Michigan, purchased the furniture and lease 
of the Hotel Brunswick, at Detroit, which they successfully con- 
ducted for seven years. Mr. Carr is also interested in the Bryant 
Hotel at Flint, Michigan. In the Spring of 1889 the business of the 
Brunswick was transferred to Flint and merged into that of the 
Bryant, over which Mr. Carr devotes most careful attention 
and of which he is the moving spirit of success. Through- 
out his whole career in the hotel business, Mr. Carr has main- 
tained a distinguishe<l reputation, few men in any business 
having more friends, and few deserving them more than he. 

Edgab F. Reeve, of Carr & Reeve, proprietors of the Hotel 
Normandie, was born at East Moriches, Long Island, New York, 
January 28, 1858, where he received his education in the public 




GRIFFIN HOUSE. 



■with every convenience and facility for the accomodation of its 
guests. Its cuisine is of the most appreciable character and nothing 
is omitted by the management to insure the utmost comfort and 
satisfaction. The Hotel Normandie is an institution of which any 
city might be proud as being in every respect a first-class hotel. 
The proprietors were previously associated with the Hotel Bruns- 
wick in Detroit, tlirough which tlipy incurred a laudable recog- 
nition. 

FuAXK 11. Caru, senior member of the firm of Curr & Reeve, 
pro[nic'lors of the Hotel Normandie, was born in Ontario county, 
New York and came to Michigan twenty-five years ago, locating at 
Coldwater as night clerk in the ilkhigan Southern Hotel of which 
his i)resent partner, A. B. Dickinson, was llion the proprietor. In 
1877 Mr. Carr accepted the position of cashier of the Boody House at 



schools. At the age of sixteen he left his home and went to Toledo, 
Ohio, where he became connected with the IsUuul House, remain- 
ing for six years. He was afterward in tlie Burnet House, Toledo, 
for one j'ear. Subsequently for five years he served as clerk in the 
Boody House, and coming to Detroit accepted the position of chief 
clerk in the Brunswick Hotel. After iliis house was closed, he for a 
short time became connected with the Wayne Hotel, and associated 
liimseir with Mr Carr at the opening of the Hotel Normandie, of 
which he is one of the proprietors. 

GRIFFIN HOUSE. 
JouN ('. Guti'"KiN', proprietor of the tiriffin House, was born in 
County Kerry, Ireland, May 8, 18(i0, and came to Detroit in 1881, when 
he became associated with liis brother in the lioti'l business on Jef- 
ferson avenue as clerk, occupying that position for two years. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



After tins he engaged in business on his own account purchasing 
the fixtures and lease of the Western Hotel which he successfully 
conducted for two years, wlien he had constructed the present mag- 
nificent and commodious building completed in 1885. This is the 
famous GritlSn House located on Jefferson avenue diagonally across 
from the Michigan Central railroad depot, and which as a favorite 
resort of visitors to the city has been attended with notable and 
meritorious success. Mr. Griffiin has recently leased the large 
building adjoining the Griflin House formerly known as the Union 
Hotel and which as an addition thereto has been remodeled and fur- 
nished at an expense of ^15,000. This adjunct gives the Griffin 
House 125 rooms all of which are sumptuously furnished and fit- 
ted witli modern appliances including electric lights, electric call 
bells, and all other essentials of comfort and convenience. The 
table which has always been a prime feature of this house is main- 
tained in the most superior manner, and would of itself demand 
extensive patronage. The rates, considering the accommodations 
afforded, are exceptionally low, being placed at |3.00 per day, $3.50 
to|3.00 for front rooms with bath. Mr. Grifl^n gives his persona) 




JOHN C. GRIFFIN. 



attention to every detail implied in the management of the house 
and omits no proper expedient to faithfully serve the best interest 
of his guests. 



GRAIN AND PRODUCE EXCHANGES. 



BY GEO."iGE M. LiNE. 



For what purpose are Boards of Trade, Chambers of Commerce 
and other like commercial associations organized? What end do 
they serve in the movement or the marketing of the products of 
the country, and how are the general interests of trade promoted 
by their existence? Under the limited resources and wants of our 
grandfathers and great-grandfathers, when carts sufficed instead of 
cars, the coach instead of the Pullman, and the weekly mail instead 
of the telegraph and the telephone, associations for the oj^ening of 
channels of trade, for the expediting of business and for furnishing 
the facilities now supplied by exchanges were not thought of or 
needed. Fifty or seventy-five years ago the farmer and the 
mechanic thought and knew almost nothing of the market beyond 
the nearest village. There he bartered his limited su]iplies for che 
few articles he needed or could not produce, and which satisfied 



95 

his simple and limited wants. The miller ground the wheat and 
com for his neighbors and not for the market 1,000 miles away oi- 
across the ocean. Almost nothing was brought into the commu- 
nity, or exchanged with other sections, except the little that was 
handled by the village merchant, and his operations were so limited 
that the identity of whatever was sold was almost preserved until 
consumers hands were reached. In such conditions of trade, 
commercial organizations were as unnecessary as the fifth finger or 
the fifth wheel ; and no conferences relative to values or markets 
were needed, outside of the daily gathering of farmers upon the 
town corners or of the village solons in their evening sessions at 
the country store. 

Today we live in a different world. When its annual wheat 
product has increased to over two billions of bushels, and the 
yield of corn in the United States alone reaches near the 
same quantity, it is easy to understand that system and organiza- 
tion must exist; first, to properly care for such almost unlimited 
harvests; second, to furnish markets for the surplus, and third, 
to organize channels and means for supplying countries andstctions 
needing the surplus. Individuals in their single capacity could not 
accomplish this, and would fail did they attempt it. It is a well- 
known fact, tliat for almost every need there will come in some 
way a supply, and the two will grow together. It is in compliance 
with this that railroads, canals, telegraphs, telephones, our system 
of exchanges, and our commercial organizations have come into 
existence and hold the positions they do, as essential and indis- 
pensable factors in the business world. To remove any one of 
tliese, would be like taking an important wheel from the CL-ntcr of a 
complicated machine ; it would bring disaster and almost ruin to 
valuable interests. 

Under the order and systems which have grown with the 
requirements of trade, the markets of the world have come to 
to be almost one. Wall street dictates values for listed stocks and 
securities throughout the whole country. The grain trade of the 
whole land is very largely dependent upon, and is established by 
Chicago and New York values. That always, and in every par- 
ticular, the condition of trade as existing is an unmixed good 
cannot be maintained ; but the greater advantage to the producer 
and the holder is this, viz: That a quick and ready market is 
always available, and full New York or Chicago values can be 
secured in almost every market of the land less the cost of trans- 
portation and the handling. It is not now as formerly, the labor of 
days and of weeks, with attendant expenses, to secure this advan- 
tage ; but generally a few hours will convert the product or the 
manufactured article into that which will suj^ply needs in households. 

The establishing and the maintaining of these advantages has 
been largely the work of the commercial associations of our 
seaboard and inland cities, known as Boards of Trade and 
Chambers of Commerce. How? do you ask? First, by the 
concentration of interests, whereby a market is established which 
can absorb the surplus product or the manufactured article. 
Second, by collecting and publishing information relative to the 
supply and the demand which are always influential and ruling 
factors in every market in establishing prices. Third, thej always 
have been at least influential in furnishing cheap and quick 
transportation, their interests being generally one with those of 
the producer and the shipper. Fourth, where the ceral products of 
the country are estimated by billions of bushels, and the surplus to 
be moved, at millions, it is readily understood that the identity of 
whatever is sold cannot be preserved beyond farmers' hands. 
Therefore, to move such a surplus or accumulations at intermedi- 
ate markets and still give the producer or seller all the advantages 
deserved, a system of grades and inspections must be established. 
And these should be as nearly uniform as possible throughout the 
country. In the establishment of such a system, commercial 
organizations have been instrumental and should be credited with 
the advantages derived by these features in the grain trade of the 
country. Fifth, with all the evils attributed to these associations, 
begotten of that speculation which is favored by privileges thus 
afforded, it nevertheless is true that speculation is not infrequently 
a desirable factor in commercial circles. When there is no in- 
ducements for investments, we have dull markets. This condition 
is almost without exception unfavorable for e fery class. But when 



96 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




GEORGE M. LANE. 

there is a profitable margin, possibly little more than simple 
interest, a steady healthy market can generally be realized, 
products can he moved, labor is wanted, and thus employment is 
secured for those otherwise unemployed. True, speculation some- 
time runs wild and becomes an unhealthy factor; but generally 
commercial organizations under regulations now quite uniformly 
prevalent, are like balance wheels that give steadiness to values 
and curb wild and reckless manipulatiuns. To the uninformed and 
the ])rejudiced, this may seem strange, and nxay he treated with 
ridicule, but it is nevertheless true. There will always be differ- 
ences of opinion, and views will vary uixm any (piestion, these 
being formed or influenced largely as interests dictate. This is 
true ujion exchange floors; and where there are two parties, each 
pushing tlieir own interests, an eipiilibrium is quite sure to follow. 
Now and then the market swings like the pendulum to the extreme, 
but the return soon takes place, and the mean is established. 

While in the past. Boards of Trade have been organized chieflv 
for the movement of grain and produce, latterly their scope has been 
enlarged, and in many cities they have become exchanges where 
those representing not only the grain and j)roduce, but also mer- 
cantile and manufacturing interests, assemble not only f(]r trade, 
but for consultation and comparison of views; where questions of 
pulilic concern relating to national, state and municipal affairs are 
informally discussed; where carriers and shippers gather and 
confer relative to mutual interests. Questions of freight and 
transportation are now vital ones, and freight bureaus liave come to 
be important adjuncts to not a few of the exchanges in our large 
cities. Along these lines and others, commercial associations are 
enlarging their boundaries and are including representatives of 
almost every leading business interest. It is in tliese ways that 
associations reach their maximum of usefulness, and are made 
worthy of support and patronage. Of late such organizations have 
multiplied rapidly. In Michigan, Detroit, Bay City, Saginaw, 
Grand Rapids, JInskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, ami jiossibly other cities 
of our State, have each from one to three or four associations. In 
the United States there are about 700 bodies formed for the pur- 
poses already indicated. New York State has the greatest number, 
viz.^ upwards of 1'i'); Pennsylvania, GO; JIassachusetts, 80; Iniliana, 
45; Ohio, 'S'.); Illinois, 22, and other States from 1 to 2.") each. It is 
unfortunate that Detroit has not an exchange in every respect 
worthy of a city of nearly a quarter of a million of people. The 



Board of Trade is the oldest and largest association. Besides this 
we have the Merchants' and Slanufacturers" Exchange; while 
coal merchants, insurance agents and possibly other interests have 
organizations. If all these and others could unite and form an 
exchange of 400 or .500 members, its influence would be felt in 
many ways. Detroit would then rank with other cities in having 
a body of men united to push wliatever was undertaken to almost 
sure success. The members of the Board of Trade are earnest in 
their endeavors for this, but success depends much ui)on the 
response made by other associations and the representative business 
men of our city. 

The Board was organized in ls<5G and incorporated in 1863. 
Its membership has included, first and last, many of the 
most ](roininent business men of the city. Its active influence 
has always been exerted for every interest looking to the growth 
and business prosperity of Detroit. In questions of transportation, 
including the building and the imjjrovement of water routes ; in the 
construction of railways inwards and outwards from Detroit; in 
the enlargement of the resources and business of the city, and the 
making of this point an important one for the distribution of 
products, the association has always taken an earnest interest. The 
location of Detroit certainly is favoraVjle for greatly enlarged 
operations in almost all lines. The farms, the forests and the mines 
of no state are more i)roductive than these of Michigan. AVilh an 
active organic union of the solid interests of Detroit through its 
representative business men, all of these sources of wealth could be 
made tributary to this market, to a larger extent, and the limit of 
tlie growth of the commercial and industrial pursuits of our city 
could scarcely be estimated. 

George M. Lane, Secretary of the Detroit Board of Trade was 
born near Romeo, Michigan, ^lay 28th, 1833. His education was 
received at the Romeo Academy and the University of Michigan 
from which he was graduated in 1853 with the degree of A. B. and 
subsequently, A. M. For several years after leaving college he fol- 
lowed the profession of civil engineer, in which capacity he was 
employed on the D. & M. and tlie Grand Trunk railroads, surveying 
the line of route between Detroit and Port Huron, remaining in 
Detroit until its completion. At the outlireak of the late civil war 
lie went to the front as Captain of Company B., First M'chigan 
Volunteers, comjiosed of engineers and mechanics. Becoming dis- 
abled after one years service, he was ordered on detached duty in 




<^^ ^P^*^^ 




JAMES H. DONOVAN. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



97 



Kentucky, and served until the close of the war, when he resigned 
his commission and returning to Detroit accepted an editorial po- 
sition on the Tribune which he held for nineteen years. In 1885 he 
was elected secretary of the Detroit Board of Trade, and has since 
discharged tlie duties of that position witli singular credit and 
fidelity. He has been identified as an ofificer of the First Congre- 
gational cliurcli for about sixteen years. Mr. Lane is a gentleman 
of cultivated and engaging manner and intellectual abilities which 
have been directed in the various channels promoting the city's 
progress and prosperity. 

JAMES H. DONOVAN, 
Presidejit of the Detroit Board of Trade, was born of Irish par- 
antage in Rochester, New York, August 8, 1850, where he resided 
until his tenth year, when lie removed to Mt. Morris, New York. 
Here he attended the public scliools from %vhich lie was graduated at 
the age of fifteen, afterward becoming associated with liis fatlier in 
the business of contractor and builder. Coming to Detroit in 1870, 
he went througli a course of business training in Mayhew's Commer- 
cial College. In 18'i'l he became connected with tlie Detroit, Lan- 
sing and Norhern Railroad as billing clerk, and was the first to hold 
that position after the establishment of the company, subsequently 
performing clerical work in the freight department of the Michigan 
Central Railroad until 1874. From this time until 1880 he was 
engaged in book-keeping for Jacob Beeson & Company, grain deal- 
ers, after which he formed a partnership with George H. Done, 
under the firm name of George H. Done & Company, which was 
dissolved in 1883, when ho became associated with Sherman, 
Waldron & Company, as special partner, a relation which he sus- 
tained up to 1888. He has since been a member of the firm of J. 
F. Zahm & Company of Toledo and has the management of the 
Detroit house. This firm are among the largest receivers and ship- 
pers of grain in this city, and Mr. Donovan has in the control of its 
affairs in tliis market exhibited an enterprising and sagacious direc- 
tion especially promotive of continued successes. Mr. Donovan has 
been a member of the Board of Trade since 1881; for several years 
from 1883 one of its directors; second vice president in 1888; first 
vice-president in 1889 and 1890, when through the resignation of 
Mr. Cliarles "V. Bryan from the presidency he was selected to fill 
that office, and was elected president of the Board in 1891. Mr. 
Duncvan is a thorough man of business and intimately identified 
with Detroit's commercial progress. 





F. J SIMMONS. 



GEORGE H. WARD. 

F. J. SIMMONS & COMPANY. 
F. J. Simmons, the head of the house of F. J. Simmons & Com- 
pany, was born in Oneida County, New York, February 10, 1846. He 
received his ultimate education at the Michigan University, class 
of 1866, in the Literary department, and coming to Detroit in 1885 
became associated as senior partner in the Simmons & Clougli Organ 
Company, now the Clough & Warren Organ Companj', for about ten 
years. He was for two years the general agent of the Equitable 
Life Insurance Company of New York. After this, upcjn the form- 
ation of the firm of F. J. Simmons & Company, he became the sen- 
ior member. As dealers in grain and seeds, operating on the Board 
of Trade, the firm control a business of from 14,000,000 to $5,000,000. 
The individual members of the firm are F. J. Simmons and J. B. Roe, 
who are enterprising and progiessive trade exemplars and pledged 
to the supreme interests of Detroit in all appointed commercial ways. 

GEORGE H. WARD. 
George H. Ward was born at Battle Creek, Michigan, Octo- 
ber 16, 1863, of AniL'rican parentage, his parents removing from 
New York State and settling at Battle Creek in 1841. His early 
education was received in the public schools in Battle Creek, and in 
his sixteenth year he entered Dufferin College at London, Ontario. 
Completing his collegiate course, he engaged in business as a clerk 
in the grain commission house of Mclntyre and Wardwell, New 
York, one of the most extensive in the country. He served in this 
relation for about two years, deriving information which has since 
proven of incalculable assistance. Coming to Detroit in 1884, he 
accepted employment with J. F. Zahm & Company in the Board of 
Trade building as clerk. In October 1889, he embarked in busi- 
ness on his own account in room 37, Board of Trade building. 
His annual business aggregates about $1,000,000 and is of constant 
expansion. Mr. Ward is an enterprising and progressive merchant 
with undaunted zeal and ambition and is rapidly climbing to the 
topmost round of the ladder. He is a genial and popular gentleman 
and a true, honest and upright citizen. 

W. E. HEAIMES & COMPANY. 
W. E. Heames, (if the tirni of W. E. Heames & Company, was 
born at Marquette, Jlichigan, JIarcli 38, 1851, and came to Detroit 
when but an infant. He received his education in the city public 
schools and at the age of 13 passed examination for admission 
to the high school but neglected the opportunity, and embarked in 



m 



98 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




W. E. UKAMES. 

business in 1870 as a ilour mercliant and dealer in lire brick and 
foundry supplies at 75 and 79 Woodbrid^e street west, the present 
location of the business of W. E. Heames & Company. Mr. 
Alfred G. Curtis, who liad been previously with the firm about 
fifteen years, was admitted to partnership July 1st, isso. lie is an 
active member of the firm. The firm as now constituted is com- 
posed of W. E. Ileames, Henry Heames and A. (!. Curtis. Mr. 
Heames for twenty years has been successfully engaged in this line 
of business, of wliich, for several years, he has been the active 
partner. He is also associated witli his father under the firm 
name of Henry 1 leames & Son, lime manufacturers, at the corner 
of Woodbridge and Twenty-third streets. Mr. Heames is a director 
of the Western Club, recently organized ; a director of tlie Inter- 
laken Club at Pine Lake, Michigan, and is warden of St. George's 
Episcopal Cluircli, Detroit. He is married and has four children, 
two boys and two girls, ilr. Heames is a worthy citizen and his 
life has been woven of good deeds and noble aims. 

II. E. EMMONS & COMPANY. 
H. E. Emmons, head of the firm of H. E. Emmons & Company, 
was born at Orion, Oakland Count}', Michigan, Marcli 2S, 18.58, and 
was educated in the scliools of his native village. His father, the 
more effectually to imijress upon him liabits of frugality and practi- 
cal business ideas. rc<iuirod liim to assist in work around tlie home- 
stead, paying him lor liis services and deducting from his earnings 
the cost of his board and clothing. In February, 1875, he entered 
the Jlichigan Agricultural College at Lansing, pajing the expenses 
of his tuition by alternately teaching and working upon the farm 
operated by the students of that institution.*- He graduated with the 
degree of Baclielor of Science in November, 1878. He came to 
Detroit in the Spring of 1870 and obtained the position of assistant 
foreman in tlie ilrug establishment of Parke, Davis & Company, 
where lie continued for about two and a half years, when he entered 
the hat department of C. R. Mabley & Company, subsequently 
taking charge of the (lc|)artment devoted to the finest grade of 
goods. His intention was to engage in the clothing trade, but in 
1881, owing to the death of Robert G. Rudd, wlio had been conduct- 
ing the milling and feed business formerly under the proprietorship 
of Mr. Emnions" father, and there being no one in Detroit to man- 
age the business, Mr. H. E. Emmons and his mother bought it out 
and established the firm of H. E. Emmons & Company, wliicli has 



Bince been conducted under the management of Mr. Emmons in a 
highly satisfactory and successful manner. Mr. Emmons is a 
young man of sterling business qualities and has steadily won his 
waj- to eminence and distinction in Iiis business. About two and a 
half years ago his whole outfit was destro3-ed by fire, but lie un- 
dauntedly resumed business and speedily recovered from his losses. 
The location of the business is foot of Second street and a large 
lot:al trade and heavy shipments east and south represent tlie out- 
put which is constantly being incre;ised. Mr. Emmons is a member 
of the Board of Trade, representing the Board as committee of ap- 
peals, and is treasurer of the West End Club. 

MITCHELL BROTHERS. 

This establishment was founded by Mr. William Mitchell, the 
father of John H. and David F. Mitchell, the present proprietors, in 
1871, at which time the business was located at 139 Woodbridge 
street. It was removed to the present site corner of Lamed and 
Second streets, in 1880, and in 1881 the property was purchased by 
Mr. William Mitchell and the business has since been conducteil at 
that location. The industry controlled by tlie (inn emliraces the 
manufacture of feed in all of its relations and granulated corn meal 
by the roller process. The building occupied is three stories in height 
and 8().\80 feet in dimensions and is suitably provided with the latest 
niiUing machinery and appliances. The trade is princii)ally local, 
but large car lots of goods are sliipped to lake points and the east. 
Tho annual output aggregates .$300,000. The firm occupy a notably 
high position in their line and has been genex-ally successful since 
the foundation of the business. 

William JIitchkll, the father of John H. and David F. 
Mitchell, composing the firm of Mitchell Brotliers, who succeeded 
to the business at his death, was born near Edinburgli, Scotland, in 
1822. Ho passed his earlier years at Dundee, Scotland, where he 
served an apprenticeship to the trades of mechanical engineer and 
machinist, at the same time attending school. In IS.ji he accom- 
panied a number of machinists to Montreal, Canada, where for 
some months he was employed in work at his trade. Coming to 
Detroit in 1855 he secured work in Kendrick's machine shop, and 
subse(iuently became superintendent of machinery for Hiram 
Walker, of Walkerville, Ontario, filling that position with credit 
and a'jility for nine years. After this he bought out the milling 
business of Smith & Maitland, at 139 Woodbridge street, for $2,500, 




H. E. EMMONS. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



99 




WILLIAM MITCHELL. 

to raise which sum he mortgaged his whole property. He con- 
tinued to conduct tliis business very successfully for seven years, 
afterward leasing and then buying the present site at the corner of 
Lamed and Second streets. During his entire business career he 
met all of his obligations without waiving a day or exacting 
discounts. He was eminently successful in his business ventures ; 
was scrupulously economical, but never unreasonable or niggardly. 
He was in all of his relations conscientiously upright and honorable 
and left to his children the legacy of a blameless reputation. Mr. 
Mitchell died July 3, 1889, leaving a widow and six children. His 
wife was Miss Fair, a Scotcli lady of exemplary character. He was 
a member of the Christian church and a member of St. Andrews' 
society. 

GILLETT AND HALL. 
This firm was established in 1864 as P. Voorhees and Company 
with Jlr. Theodore P. Hall as the Company, and was so continued up 
to 1868. During the same year Mr. E. W. Gillett and Mr. Theodore 
P. Hall formed a co-partnership and became successors of P. Voor- 
hees and Company. Mr.Gillett had previously been a member of 
the firm of Bissell & Gillett, and Mr. Hall of the firm of P. Voor- 
hees and Company. In 1878 Mr. William Carson, wlio had been in 
the employ of tlie firm since itsfoundation was taken into partner- 
ship, as was Mr. Tliomas G. Craig, also several years in the firm's 
service. The record of the house has since been one of continued 
successes. Mr. Carson is the financial and Mr. Craig the active 
partner on the floor of Detroit Board of Trade. The firm are 
extensive handlers of grain, clover seed, dressed hogs and other 
articles included in the provision trades. They do an exclusively 
cash business and their transactions for 1890 will aggregate nearly 
$6,000,000. Their office is Room 5, of the Board of Trade liuild- 
ing. Messrs. Gillett & Hall personally superintend tlie general 
affairs of the Inisiness, tlie younger members of the firm being 
actively engaged in the management of incident details. 

E. W. WARDELL, 
Was born in Canada in the County of Haldimand and was on 
his father's farm on tlie shores of Lake Erie until he was 20 years 
old, and came to Detroit in 1880, where he engaged in business for 
himself in the year 1885, commencing in a small way in the flour 
and feed business. Fortunately meeting with no special losses or 
reyerses, his trade rapidly increased from, a small beginning to its 



present prosperous condition, until at the present writing it has 
grown to very extensive proportions. Mr. Wardell is now doing 
a trade amounting to about $50,000 annually. During the entire 
period he has received no outside aid or capital, and the rapid 
growth and development is due entirely to his careful management 
and enterprise. Mr. Wardell deals in hay, grain, flour and feed. 
An esjiecial line is his extensive dealings in grain and hay. His 
establishment is located at 840 Fort street west, where lie possesses 
every facility for storage and shipment. Ever attentive to the 
details of his business, although comparatively a young man, his 
prospects of success in this important line of trade are very prom- 
ising, and liis example of perseverance from a small beginning is 
wortliy of emulation by every young man starting out for himself 
in the business world. 

J. B. DUTTON & COMPANY. 
Joseph B. Dutton was born at Findlay, Ohio, September 4, 
1848. His father, a niercliant tailor, died when the .son was but two 
years old, and liis mother removed to Pontiac, Micliigan. Here 
Joseph was put to school until his twelfth year, when he was ap- 
prenticed to the milling trade under A. B. Mathews. He continued 
in tliis business for ei^ht years, when he engaged witli Bennett, 
Knickerbocker & Company in Jackson and Albion, Michigan, with 
whom he remained for five and a half years. For one year after 
this he was employed in the Union Mills at Detroit. In 1877 he 
removed to Chatham, Ontario and embarked in business on his own 
account, starting tlie first new process mills ever operated in 
Canada. He continued liere, doing a profitable business until 1884. 
In 1883 he first began experiments upon an automatic scale, which 
he perfected and secured patents for in 1884. Since then he has 
greatly perfected his invention and now holds eighteen patents to 
cover the improvements upon it. In June 1884 he began the manu- 
facture of his automatic scale at 211 Jefilerson avenue, Detroit, with 
A. Linabury as a partner. In 1886 Mr. Dutton formed a stock com- 
pany witli a capital of $100,000, ten per cent, of which was paid 
in. The business was continued in this relation for one year, when 
Mr. Dutton bought in the stock and became the sole proprietor. The 
design of J. B. Dutton's Automatic Grain, Flour and Feed Scale and 
Register is for handling grain, flour and feed and in weighing and 
registering grain as it is fed to the first break of rolls. Besides 
weighing the grain, it automatically regulates its flow upon the 




E. \V. WARDELL. 



lOO 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




JOSEPH B. DfTTON. 

rolls. It is especially adapted for use in elevators where it becomes 
necessary to weiKli large quantities of grain expeditiously, as also 
in breweries and malt houses for handling malt, barlej', etc. Mr. 
Button also supplies the trade for all kinds of mill furnishings 
througliout the United States and Canada. The annual output is 
about 200 scales valued at $15,000 and the entire business amounts 
to $12.'),000 per annum. 

J. S. LAPHA.M & COMPANY, 
Room 13 Chamber of Commerce, are among our heaviest ship- 
pers of all kinds of grain, by l»ke as well as by rail, supplying a large 
milling tr.adeat lake ports, and a niilHng and feeding trade in interior 
New York and New England. Messrs. Lapliam & Company liave long 
been convinced that Detroit, which is midway between the corn and 
oats pi'oducing districts of Illinois, and tlie eastern territory requiring 
these cereals for consumption, and on direct ro\ite between tliem, 
is the ideal distril)uting point from whicli to supply the buying 
trade. Not only this; but as Detroit is the natural market for the 
excellent grades of Michigan white and red winter wheat, and 
choice lilicliigan white oats, the eastern buyers should be educated 
into looking to Detroit for supplies, rather than to the distant 
western markets. In pursuance to tliis conviction Messrs. Lapham 
& C'ompany have, by persistent effort, not only established for 
themselves a generous and profitable order tra<le in New York and 
New England, but have done mucli to make Detroit weights and 
inspectiim popular in the districts mentioned. A special depart- 
ment of their business is their traftic in choice grades of feed, bran, 
coarse and fine middhngs, the product of tlie best Micliigan mills. 
This trade has more than doubled in the past year. The Grain and 
Commission business of J. S. Lapham & Company at Detroit is in 
charge of Jlr. James T. Shaw, as managing partner. The same 
firm, under the same name, is established in tlie banking business 
in Nortliville, AVayne County, Michigan. 



prominently instanced the characteristics of enterprising manage- 
ment and unvarying progress. The facilities of the business are on 
a very large scale, an J embrace a dock 300 feet long at the foot of 
Beaubien street, a large dock at Anilierstburg on the Canadian side, 
and six yards in the city. Employment is given to HO hands. The 
annual output of the Detroit house represents a value of $1,000,000. 
The trade territory emljraces the Northwest, Canada and New 
England. Mr. Sliipman owns a one tenth interest in four of the 
largest coal mines in Ohio, each capable of turning out 1,000 tons 
]>er day ; a controlling interest in two coal mines in Pennsylvania, 
with a capacity of 40lt,()(l0 tons per year, and is the general man- 
ager of tlie Inter-State Coal Car Supply Company. lie operates 600 
cars in running coal from his Pennsylvania mines to Canada. Mr. 
Shi|)man is otherwise prominently idenlilied with leading indus- 
tries in Detroit ; is president of the Michigan Savings and Loan 
Association ; a director in the Home Sivings Bank, the Frontier 
Iron and Brass Works, and owns stock in three Detroit banks. He 
is now organizing a company with $1,000,000 capital to develop 
mining projierty consisting of 25,000 acres in Pikeville, Tennessee. 

PITTMANS & DEAN, 
"Whose coal offices are at 92 Griswold street, in the Lewis block, 
have a coal trade which is constantly increasing. The original busi- 
ness was founded thirty-five years ago by James E. Pittmans, and 
six years ago the business was assumed by Messrs. L. M. Pitlmans 
and Charles A. Dean, James E. Pittmans retiring from active ser- 
vice to take the superintendency of the police, though retaining an 
interest in the business. They own yards on Atwater street, Ijetween 
Hastings and Rivard streets, at the corner of Gratiot avenue and the 
Belt line, at the Woodivard avenue railroad crossing, and a dock 
and yard at the foot of Riopelle street, these covering in all about 
five acres. They ship direct from the Hocking Valley mines, from 
mines in Jackson, Ohio, from the Pennsylvania anthracite coal fields, 
and soft coal from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. They own about forty 
horses, but are obliged to employ many more during the busy 
season, when they also work 125 men, with an office foice of ten 
more. They are thus fully equipped to fill all onlers received with 
absolute fidelity and promptness, all their yards being connected 
with the railway system of Detroit. About three years ago the firm 
entered into the ice business on a small scale, which has since grown to 
large dimensions. The ice is cut from a lake near Hillsdale, and is 
exceptionally pure. Five ice houses, substantially built and con- 



COAL DEALERS. 

O. AV. SIIll'.MAN. 

The consideration of coal in Detroit has been invested with 

great importance through the extensive operations of its local 

dealers. Among these, O. W. Sliipman, whose business was estab- 

tablished in 1874, is entitled to conspicuous notice as having 




DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



lOl 




L. M. PITTMANS. ' 

veniently situated, are used in storing tlieir product. 

L. M. PiTTMANS, is a native of this city, born July 22nd, 1856. 
He received an excellent education from the Detroit public schools, 
and during liis vacations served on the United States Lake Survey, 
as recorder. October 4, 1887, he was married to Miss Steuart, of 
Baltimore, and they have two children, both boys. Mr. Pittmans 
is fond of aquatic sports, and trained the winning Junior Four in the 
regatta of the National Amateur Rowing Association, held at 




.^ -feh 




Detroit in 1883, pulling bow. He has been one of the most active 
members of the Detroit Boat Club, and also belongs to tlie Michigan 
Yacht Club, the Michigan Athletic Association, and the Detroit 
Club, and having considerable nmsical ability, is a valued member 
of the Boylston Club. His energy as a business man has won for 
him well deserved financial success, and his genial social qualities 
command for him lasting popularity among his many friends. 

Charles A. Dean was born in Detroit, March 26th, 1854. and 
has developed into one of the city's most solid and substantial busi- 
ness men. After leaving tlie high school in 1871, he entered the old 
Second National Bank, now the Detroit National Bank, where he 
remained until 18S1, when he went into the coal business at the 
Woodward avenue railroad crossing. May 1st, 1885, he became a 
member of tlie present firm of Pittmans & Dean, of which he always 
lias been an active and efficient factor. He is a member of the 
Detroit Club, of the Detroit Athletic Club, of which he has been a 
popular director, and of the Rushmere Hunting and Fishing Club. 
He was married October 8, 1878, to Miss Esselstyn, daughter 
of the late Henry Esselstyn, and has two children, a boy and 
a girl. 




CHARLES A. DEAN. 



W. J. GorLD. 

GROCERIES AND KINDRED LINES. 

In this department of trade Detroit occupies a notably distin- 
o-uished position in the examples afforded of its representatives, who 
may well be characterized as among the more reputable and eminent 
in the country. The dis'.inctive signification accorded the grocery 
line was among the results of competition and the modern i'lea of 
giving a separate identity to branches of business which in the 
earlier history of the country were classed together. Originally 
the store keeper kept a stock of great diversification. The general 
store feature of business necessarily and naturally included not 
alone groceries in the sense ot actual and vital necessities, but all 
articles comiirised in the demands of clothing, hardware and 
building materials and the items of luxury, all of which now par- 
take of a separate and distinct classification. To the grocery line, 
therefore, have been assigned, not only provisions in the sense of 
meats, which belong more particularly to the butcher, especi.^lly in 
their fresh condition, but coffee, tea, sugar, condiments and spices 
with the numerous considerations of canned goods and such articles 
as are classed as grocers' sundries. The year 1890 was an esjieci- 
ally prosperous one in the grocery trade of Detroit, and the volume 



I02 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



of output far exceeded that of any previous year. Besides the 
large firms herein described in this line, may he mentioned Johnson 
& Wheeler, C. W. Inslee & Companj-, Peter Henkel, and Sinclair, 
Evans & Elliott. W. H. Edgar & Son, sugar dealers. 
W. J. GOULD & COMPANY. 

AV. J. (iouLD, head of the wholesale grocery house of AV. J. 
Gould & Company, was born in England in 1830, and came with 
his parents to the United States in 183G, locating at Detroit. His 
father was eaigaged in the grocery business here, but failed in 1839, 
and W. J. Gould there.ifter resided with his grandfather who con- 
ducted a grocery upon the site of Pingree & Smith's old shoe 
factory. He attended school and helped about the store, in this 
way becoming acquainted with every detail of the retail grocery 
business. Naturally endowed with apjjrehensive and sagacious 
business instincts from his boyhood, he gradually developed the 
characterists which have since placed him in the fore front of the 
representatives of the wholesale grocery trade in Detroit, and 
determined his highly successful mercantile career. In 1864 he 
entered into partnership with JI. S. Fellers, and engaged in the 
wholesale grocery business at 22 Woodward avenue. Buying Mr. 
Fellers' interest in 1873, Mr. Gould removed to 83 Jefferson avenue, 
where he conducted, as sole proprietor, a very prosperous business. 
In 1880 the firm of W. J. (jould & Company was formed, the 
members which were W. J. Gould, D. D. Cady and Lewis F. 
Thompson. In 1S88. Mr. Gould's son, Clarence, was admitted to 
partnership. The firm removed to the commodious building at 59, 
61 and 63 Jefferson avenue, now occupied, in 1882. W. J. Gould is 
a veritable self-made man. He is prudent, circumspect, and 
while at times may be characterized as hazardous in some of his 
ventures, he never fails to hit the nail on the head. He is an 
influential and exemplary business man, and is intimately identified 
with all movements directed to the commercial advancement of 
Detroit in the surest and best ways. The business of his house is of 
constant expansion, and is recognized by the trade for its principles 
of superior management and strict observance of the rights and 
interests of customers. Mr. Gould is vice-president of the Home 
Savings Bank and a director in the Third National Bank of Detroit. 

D. D. Cadt, member of the wholesale grocery firm of W. J. 
Gould & Company, was born on a farm in Wayne County, Michigan, 
and was educated in the schools of Ypsilanti, Michigan, completmg 
his course in the State Normal School at that place. His first venture 





D. D. CADT. 



JOHN M. DWVKK. 

in business was in the grocery line, in which he has since been con- 
tinuously engaged, with the exception of two years as the pro- 
prietor of a general store at New Hudson, Michigan, Returning to 
Detroit in 1873, he re-engaged in the grocery business as a traveling 
salesman for the wholesale grocery house of W. J. Gould, contin- 
uing in that relation up to 1880 when he became a partner, the firm 
name being changed tt) W. J. Gould & Company. He has been an 
active factor in the business and has largely contributed to its suc- 
cess, ilr. Cadj- is a stockholder in the Dominion Typograph Com- 
pany; in the Portland Chemical and Phosphate Company and in the 
Merchants' National Bank, of Battle Creek, Michigan. He is a 
member of all the Masonic bodies, and has attained the thirty- 
second degree. He is a member of the Detroit Athletic and the 
Detroit Hunting and Fishing Clubs. He married Miss Elizabeth 
Brewster, of Detroit, and has four children. 

DWYER & VIIAY. 

This house, the oldest in the line of wholesale fancy groceries 
and fruits in Detroit, was established in 1809; has enjoyed unin- 
terru]itt'd progress and prosperity for twenty-two years, and durnig 
that whole period has experienced no change in the personnel of 
of the firm and with but few excejitions in its clerical force. It 
has continued at the same location, 60 Jefferson avenue, since the 
beginning of the business. The annual oulpiit is from ^300,000 to 
$300,000 in value. The trade territory is principally Michigan, but 
extends to Northern Ohio and Indiana. The buildmg occupied is 
20.'Ll2r) feet in dimensions, extending through to Woodbridge street, 
and affords ample accommodations for the business. The firm also 
use tiie building on the opposite corner of Jefferson avenue and 
Cass streets for purposes of storage. An extensive importing trade 
in fiiii" canned goods, fruits, sardines, maccaroni and various other 
goods incident to the nature of the business, is conducted. The 
history of the house has been one of phenomenal success, and the 
firm of Dwyer & Vhay take a notably high rank among the repre- 
sentatives in their line of business in Detroit and at the West 

John M. Dwyer, senior member of the firm of Dwyer & Vhay, 
was born in Ireland in 1838, and came when quite young with 
his parents to the United States, settling in New Y'ork state and 
renuivmg to Jlichigan in 1852. His father was for many years 
engaged in the fruit trade at Detroit and the son followed in the 
same line, in which he has since been continuously engaged. After 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



lO^ 




JAMES H. VHAY. 

conducting tho business alone for seven years, he formed a co-part- 
nership with James A. Vliay in the wholesale fancy grocery and 
fruit business at the present location, 66 Jefferson avenue. Mr. 
Dwyer is a stockholder in the Detroit and Cleveland Steam Navi- 
gation Company and in the Fort Wayne and Elmwood Street Rail- 
way Company, and is the First Vice-President of the Penninsular 
Savings Bank, of Detroit. He is the owner of much valuable real 
estate and is a prosperous merchant and a prominent business man. 
He is married and has five children. 

James H. Vhay, member of the firm of Dwyer & Vhay, was 
born at New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1839, and was educated in 
the sciiools of that city. He worked for four years on a farm, and 
afterward engaged in the printing business. In 1863 he came to 
Detroit, and was among the first to establish the business of sup- 
plying that market with vegetables and fruits from Cleveland, 
Ohio, conducting at the same time a fruit store. John M. Dwyer 
was at that time a competitor, but in 1869 these gentlemen formed a 
copartnership for the conduct of the wholesale fancy grocery 
and fruit business, which they have since successfully prosecuted. 
In tlK" interval to the present time they have become interested in 
various mercantile and manufacturing enterprises. They hold 
stock in street railways and in the Detroit and Cleveland Steam 
Navigation Company. Mr. Vhay is tlie president of the Fort 
Wayne and Elmwood Street Railway Company, as successor to 
Justice Brown, of the United States Supreme court ; a trustee of the 
Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association, and was a director of tlie Detroit 
International Fair and Exposition. He has given much attention to 
various clubs, and has been president of the Catholic Club and a 
director in several similar institutions. Mr. Vhay was married at 
Boston in 1866 to Sliss JIary Farrell, and has Ave children. He owns 
a farm of fifty acres, five miles from the City hall, near Nallville, 
upon which his system of experimental farming has proven very 

PHELPS, BRACE & COMPANY. 
This wholesale grocery liouse was established in 1836, and is 
now the oldest house in this line in the city. Its founder, William 
Phelps commenced business in a small store on Woodward avenue 
with less than one hundred dollars in stock. As the business grew, 
he admitted his brother, Samuel Phelps, to an interest, and the firm 
became William Phelps & Brother, removing soon after to Jefferson 
avenue In 1808, Samuel Phelps withdrew and Mr. O. Staples 



bought an interest in the firm, the name being changed to William 
Phelps & Company. Mr. William H. Brace, the present senior 
member, was admitted to the firm in 1861, having been with them for 
five years. He at once assumed active management of the business, 
William Phelps being with the troops at the front during the entire 
period of the war. Mr. Staples retired from the firm in 1870, a short 
time before his death. Col. Phelps died in 1879, and after his death 
the firm name of Phelps, Brace & Company, was adopted and con- 
tinued to the present time. In the early history of the house, the 
manufacture of candy and fireworks formed an important part of 
the business. This was continued until 1870, wlien they sold out 
this brancli of the business to J. B. Fox & Company, who afterward 
consolidated with Gray & Toynton, forming the great manu- 
facturing confectionery lnjuse of Gray, Toynton & Fox. The 
present firm is composed of Wm. H. Brace, Calphurnia B. Phelps 
Charles B. Phelps and William V. Brace. They have occupied 
their present quarters twenty-two years. The building is a brick 
structure with four stories and a basement, 40x100 feet. This con- 
tains the commodious, well lighted offices and sample rooms of the 
firm, among the handsomest and best appointed in the state. To 
accommodate tlieir increasing business, it was necessary a few 
years ago to build an immense storage warehouse 00x130 feet on 
Lamed street in the rear of their store. The business of the firm 
includes all branches of the wholesale grocery trade and continues 
to grow in volume witli a strong and steady increase. The firm were 
among the first to import teas in this state, and their warehouses 
are bonded for the United States inspection of Japan Teas. This 
places Detroit on a par with New York and Chicago for the direct 
importation of teas. The business of the firm in this line has grown 
to large proportions. 

William H. Brace, the senior member of the wholesale grocery 
firm of Phelps, Brace & Company, was born April 3, 1834 at New- 
burg, a small town which now is a part of Cleveland, Ohio. When he 
was about nine years old, he moved with his family to Plattsburg, 
New York and two years later from there to Janesville, Wisconsin. 
This latter trip was made behind a team of sturdy farm horses at- 
tached to what was then known as a "prairie schooner." After a 
five weeks journey, much of which was through unbroken and un- 
settled country, they reached Janesville and at once settled down 
on a farm, building their own log house and barns. The next two 
years he spent here working hard during the summer months and 




WILLIAM H. BRACE. 



I04 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



attending school during the winter time. He entered the District 
school in an advanced class, his early eilucation having been 
begun at Newburg, and finished his schooling in tlie Janesville 
Academy. In ISoS he came to Detroit and at once became engaged 
as salesman for tlie wliolesale candy and fruit house of William 
Phelp-i & Brother. After three years experience in the house he 
went out on the road as a traveling salesman for this firm, being the 
first traveling salesman out of Detroit to represent goods in tliis line 
through Slichigan. In IHGI he left the road to assume active man- 
agement of the firm's business, 'William Phelps being called to the 
war, and was admitted as a partner, the firm name being changed 
to William Phelps & Company. This firm name was contiinied for 
ten years when it was changed to Phelps & Brace and since the 
death of the founder of the house, William Phelps, it has been 
Phelps, Brace & Company. Jlr. Brace is a director in the Y. M. C. 
A., and a prominent member of the Jlercliants' and Manufacturers' 
Exciiange. lie is prominent in Detroit financial circles as i)resident 
of the (,'ity Savings Bank and director in the Merchants" and Manu- 
facturers' Bank. He is also a director in the Michigan Wire and 
Iron Works, Auxilliary Fire Alai-m Company, Rockafellow Mercan- 
tile Company, of Carson City, Michigan, and of other institutio! s. 
He is a stockholder in the Detroit White Lead Works, Michigan 
Mutual Life Insurance Co?npany, Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance 
Company, tlin Portland Phosphate Company of Florida, and tlie 
Dominion Typograph Comiiany. 

MORAN-FITZSIMONS COMPANY, LIMITED. 

Patrick Fitzsimons, of the wholesale grocery house of Moran- 
Fitzsimons Company, Limited, was born in 1834, in County 
Leitrim, Ireland. His father. Doctor Fitzsimons, hold a leading 
position, in liis section. Mr. Fitzsimons' education was received 
at home and afterwards at the National school. AVlien he was 14 
years of age liis father died, and one year later his mother died. 
Early in the spring of 1853 he sailed to America, and came west as 
far as his money would allow, arriving in Detroit in April, 18.52, 
and has remained liere ever since. Soon after his arrival he 
obtained a situation with Mr. E. W. Jones, who kept a retail 
grocery store on the corner of Lamed and Wayne streets. Mr. 
Jones was strictly honest and economical to a degree, but had a 
strong predjudico against Irishmen, so in starting in. Mr. Fitzsimons 
had that to contend against. Mr. Jones always paid exactly what 
he agreed, but in Sir. Fitzshnons' case he paid more. He agreed to 




•TV *fe^ 







PATRICK FITZSIMONS. 



JOHN V. MOHAN. 

pay $4.00 [ler iiKnith but paid him $6.00, and took a great interest in 
his welfare. Jlr. Jones obtained a situation for Mr. Fitzsimons with 
M. P. Hutchins, at that time one of the largest wholesale grocery 
firms in Detroit, where he remained for five years. The first year 
he received $1.jO and board and his wages were advanced .$200 each 
succeeding year, and were fixed in a novel way. Neither of the 
parties wanted to fix on a figure, so each made an amount on paper 
and agreed to compromise so that any difference would be divided, 
and it is a singular fact that the amount put down by eacli was 
exactly the same, so that there was nothing to divide. B. G. Stim- 
son was then book-keeper for Mr. Hutchins and when he retired 
from business Mr. Stimfon stalled and Jlr. Fitzsimons went with 
liim. He next accepted a position with Stephens & Beatty as 
traveling salesman and collector and was quite successful in 
Ijoth. He obtained a large increase of salary each year, receiving 
|2,000 the last year. He feels great; satisfaction in saying that he 
earned every cent of salary paid him, working early and late, some 
times until the small hours of the morning to finish what he was at, 
and not; an unpleasant word v^as ever said to liim as clerk or part- 
ner in the whole of his business career. Stephens & Beatty dis- 
solved in lS(i4 and James Beatty, P. Fitzsimons and Simon Mandle- 
baum formed a new partiiersliip which continued till March 1872. 
This firm dissolved and Mr. J. V. Moran bought out Mr. Mandle- 
baum's interest. This firm continued under the style of Beatty, 
Fitzsimons & Company until Mr. Beatty's death in 188.') when it 
was changed to Moran, Fitzsimons & Company and in 1891 it was 
changed to the corporation of JIoran-Fitzsimons Company, Limited, 
with J. V. Moran, President, P. Fitzsimons, Vice-President and 
Slanager and F. A. Thomas, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Thomas 
has been with the firm for over twenty-five years. The increased 
number of stockholders and capital will add largely to the success 
of the new firm whoso business during the different firms has 
always been successful. Mr. Fitzsimons has confined himself to 
this business and never engaged in outside speculation. He was one 
of the original stockholders in the Peo])le's Savings Bank and has 
been a director from the time of its organization to the present. 

John V. Moran, of the wholesale grocery house of Moran, 
Fitzsimons Company, Limited, was born at Detroit, December 25, 
1840. His father was one of the early French settlers here and secured 
lands under patents from President JIadison. After receiving 
preliminary instruction in the Christian Brothers' schools, who 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



105 



were connected with old St. Anne's and Sts. Peter and Paul's 
parishes, he attended the Detroit High school and Philo M. 
Patterson's private school, taking a course of higher mathe- 
matics in each. Before entering upon a business career, he went 
through a course of training at a commercial college. In 1876 he 
became associated with the wholesale grocery house of Moses W. 
Field & Company, as clerk, continuing in that relation for fifteen 
months. He then engaged with John Stepliens & Company, in the 
capacity of assistant book-keeper, their store being the one now 
occupied by the Moran-Fitzsimons C'ompany. After remaining 
with tills house for eighteen months, he became connected with 
the firm of Beatty & Fitzsimons, as shipping clerk. This firm 
was subsequently succeeded by the firm of Moran, Fitzsimons & 
Company, the location being at 16, 18 and 30 Woodward 
avenue. After continuing with Beatty & Fitzsimons for two 
years, he purchased the interest of Mr. Simon Mandelbaum, 
the special partner in the business. The firm name changed to 
Beatty, Fitzsimons & Company-, and at the deatli of Mr. Beatty, in 
1885, it became Moran, Fitzsimons & Company, and so con- 
tinued until 1891. Mr. Moran is the secretary and one of 
the directors of Ward's Detroit and Lake Superior line of 
steamers ; a director in tlie Peoples' Savings bank ; vice-president 
of the American Banking and Savings Association ; director of the 
Catholic Club and Detroit Boat Club. He was one of the 
organizers of the Detroit Club, of which he was the treasurer, and 
was prominently identified with the organization of the Merchants' 
and Manufacturers' Exchange. He assisted in the organization of 
the Gale Sulky Harrow Company, now known as the American 
Harrow Company. He is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul 
conference, and is a faithful, earnest anl distiiiguislied represen- 
tative of every movement and interest jirompted by philanthrophy 
and good citizenship. 

WARD L. ANDRUS & COMPANY. 
The notable elevation of Detroit as a commercial emporium 
and its conspicuous position among the markets of the country 
have been secured by its younger business men, many of whom 
have won meritorious distinction for eminent abilities and sterling 
characteristics. In the ranks of these distinguished representatives 
may well be placed Mr. Ward L. Andrus, who has, for over nine- 
teen years, been actively identified with the wholesale fancy 
grocery and fruit trade of this city. He was born at Washington, 





WARD L. ANDRUS. 



F. WILLIAM LICHTENBERG. 

Macomb county, Michigan, July 13, 1853. His parents were among 
the early settlers in the IMicliigan Territory, to which they came in 
1816. Mr. Andrus received his early scholastic training in tlie com- 
mon schools of his native village, and subsequently took a com- 
mercial course at Goldsmith's Business College at Detroit. 
January 38, 1871, he accepted a position with D. D. Mallory & Com- 
pany as book-keeper, and continued in that relation with this firm 
for eleven ysars, when he was promoted to the responsible post of 
assistant general manager of the business. After filling this 
position very creditabh' for three years, Mr. Andrus and Mr. Gilbert 
W. Lee, Mr. H. M. Gilman, tlie active partner, retiring by reason of 
ill health, purchasing the interest of that gentleman, became the 
sole proprietors of the business. May 1, 1885, changing the fii-m 
name to the D, D. Mallory Company. Mr. Andrus becoming tlie 
general manager and active partner, relations he sustained with 
signal success and honor. In May, 1890, Mr. Andrus severed his 
connection with Sir. Gilbert W. Lee, and opened a large wholesale 
fancy grocery and fruit house at 88, 90 and 93 Jefiferson avenue, 
which has since been attended by lAenomenal success, due to his 
pectiliar command of tlie details of this business and his generally 
recognized popularity in the trade with wliich lie has so long and 
so prominently been identified. 

D. F. MCDONALD COMPANY, LIMITED. 
Tliis estalilishment was founded by Mr. D. F. McDonald in 
1877. The line of business is wholesale jM-oduce, dried fruits, grain, 
canned goods, etc. The trade territoiy extends from New Orleans 
to Duluth, and from St. Joe, east to Boston. New York, and other 
large eastern cities. Mr. D. F. McDonald is manager of the busi- 
ness to which he gives his personal attention in all of its depart- 
ments. 

LICHTENBERG & SONS. 
V. William Liclitenbei-g, head of the firmof Liclitenberg &Sons, 
was born at Baden, Germany, April 30, 1843. He came with his 
parents in his 10th year to the United States, locating at Detroit, 
where he resumed and completed his education. In 1863 the firm 
of Lichtenberg & Sons, consisting of John J., father, and F. Wil- 
liam and Christian J., sons, was forme<l for the conduct of the 
grocery and produce business. The father retiring in 1873, the sons 
bought the business and embarked in the produce and grain trade on 
Woodbridge street, near Woodward avenue, retaining the same firm 



io6 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



name, and removing some years later to the present location at 19 
Wooilbrirlge street, west. The firm lias built up an extensive trade 
tliroiigliout the United States, the annual output of which Uijgre- 
gates ^750,000. 3Ir. Lichtenberg has been for ten years one of the 
inspectors of the House of Correction, and is ex-president of the 
Board of Trade. He is a prosjierous merchant and a worthy citi- 
zen. Ho is married and has four children. During the late civil 
war Mr. Lichtenberg served in the United States Navy. 

THE STANDARD OIL COMPANY, 
With barreling works permanently located in Detroit at Michi- 
gan and Lovett avenues, and an otlice at 46 Jefferson avenue, has 
facilities for storing and handling oils oijual to any station in the 
country. This company has bulk stations at East Saginaw, West 
Bay City, Flint, Owosso, Port Huron, Pontiac, Ypsilanti, Jackson, 
Kalamazoo, Lansing, Ionia and Battle Creek, where the Detroit 
f.acilities are duplicated, the trade supplied pr<>ini>tly and to the 
best advantage. AH goods are received direct from the Cleveland 
refineries and are handled and Bhipi)ed in the most economical 
manner. The Michigan trade is catered to with the best products 
from the Cleveland works and at the lowest market prices. In the 
Detroit ofBce a full line of samples of this company's fine lubrica- 
ting oils is kept for the local and tributary trade, including the 
Capital cylinder and Eldorado engine. Correspondence addressed 
to the Standard Oil Company at any of the points above men- 
tioned will receive prompt attention. 

JOHN DAVIS & COMPANY. 
John Davis, manager of the house of John Davis & Company, 
was born at "Westfield, Massachusetts, May 2o, 1844 and received his 
education in the schools of his native town. His first venture in 
a('tual business was as a clerk in the drug line. He enlisted in the 
military service at the age of 18 in the Thirty-fourth regiment of 
Massachusetts Volunteers, and after one year was ajipointed hospi- 
tal steward in the regular army, being stationed successively at the 
head<]uarters of Generals Hunter, Sheridan and Crook. The close 
of hostilities found him at his post at the headquarters of General 
Crook at Cumberland, Maryland, from which point he was honorably 
discharged from the service. For one year succeeding this he was 
employed in the wholesale drug business in New York City, the death 
of his father compelling his return to Westfield, Massachusetts, 
where he engaged in the drug business on his own accoimt. His 





JOHN DAVIS. 



GILHEKT W. I.ICE. 

mother's declining health caused him to sell out after the tli'st year, 
and he removed to West Bay City, Michigan, where he resumed the 
drug business, from which he gradually developed his present line 
as a manufacturer of grocers' specialties in baking powders, spices, 
extracts, condiments, etc. He operates a brancli establishment at 
Windsor, Ontario. He also about one year ago established a plant for 
the manufacture of jihosphates used in baking powder, under the 
name of the Detroit Chemical Works. The firm of John Davis & 
Company is incoi-porated anil has a capital fully paid up of §30,000. 
The officers are F. M. Tlionipson, president ; John Davis, secretary 
and treasurer. The trade territory is represented by Ohio, Michi- 
gan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Canada, with an annual out- 
put of ^MOjOOO. Mr. Davis has three sons, the eldest of whom is 
a member of tlie reportorial stalf of the Detroit Free Pi'ess. 

THE D. D. MALLORY' COMPANY. 
Gilbert W. Lee, who is known over a wide territory as one of 
Detroit's youngest and mo t successful business men, was born in 
Romeo, March 28, 1861. He was educated at the Romeo Union 
school, receiving his diploma when 17 years of age. He soon came 
to Detroit to accept a positiim with George C. Wetherbee & Com- 
jjany, and when 21, was maile a member of the firm. He remained 
with them till 1885, when with Ward L. Andrus he bought the 
large wholes de fancy grocery house of 1). D. Mallory & (Company. 
This had been established in 1861 by Mr. JIallory, and was then the 
first exclusive oyster and canned goods house in the West. Mr. 
Lee believed that the perpetuation of a business name so well 
known as Mr. Mallory 's was of more importance than personal 
glorification, so the only change made in the firm name 
was to prefi.x a "the," so it now stands as The D. I). Mallory 
Company. In 1890 he i)urchased his partner's interest in the 
business, and is now sole proprietor, as well as financial and 
managerial head, of what is still one of tlie largest establishments 
of its kind in the West. Nearlj' every article handled by wholesale 
grocers is now to be found in stock at .");!. ")7 JelTerson avenue, and 
owing to tins addition to trade outlets the business has increased 
fully one-third in the past five years. Mr. Lee is also director in 
the Peninsular Savings Bank, vice president of the Detroit Electric 
Light and Power Company, (of which he was oneof the organizers), 
a member of the Detroit Club, Grosse Pointe Club, and the Detroit 
Athletic Club. Being a firm believer in Detroit's rapid advance- 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



107 




ALFRED CATO. 



J. C. EICHHOKN. 



H. a. HOKTON. 



ment in size and wealth, he concUided he would like to own a 
small share of it, and has been quite an active dealer in real estate 
ever since. One of his transactions was buying a Woodward 
avenue suburb for $38,000 and selling it for $50,000 in less than six 
months. His residence at 67 Ferry avenue is one of the hand- 
somest in the city. Mr. Lee married Miss Sara Hammond, 
daughter of the late George H. Hammond, in 1885, and has one son: 
George Hammond Lee. 

HORTON, CATO & COMPANY. 
HoRTON, Cato & Company, manufacturers of fine table con- 
diments, was established as the firm of Horton & Cato, in 1877. 
Tliey are natives of England, and have, through their superior 
management, brought the business to its present liigh degree, 
under the superintendence of Mr. J. Charles Eichhorn. Their 
products of the Royal salad dressing is not surpassed by any in the 
world, and their Royal Worcestershire sauce is generally acknowl- 
edged' as the finest of piquant relishes. Their entire line of high 
grade table goods are not anywhere surpassed in character and 
general desirability. 

CARL H. MICHELL, 
Wholesale and retail grocer, corner of Monroe avenue and the 
Campus Martius, is an exemplification of what energy, activity, 
industry integritv and sound business methods will do tor a young 
man who starts in life with no other capital than the qualities above 
mentioned, and a fixed determination to succeed in the race for for- 
tune and position. He was born at Kirch-hain, Province of Hessen, 
in Soutliern Germany, June 5, 1853, and secured sufficient scliool- 
in<r to enable him to add and expand liis book learning, while put- 
ting in hard work and taking hard knocks in his subsequent efforts 
to earn a livelihood. He served a thorough and practical apprentice- 
ship to the mercantile business, at Herzberg, in the Harz 
mountains, and when a little over 18 years of age, he embarked for 
America, landing in New York City on October 6, 18.1. Unlike 
many of our young men, who nowadays "go west" to seek their 
fortunes, he had no letters of introduction from complacent and 
well wishing friends, which would secure him a good position on 
the start. He could not speak a single word of English, and had 
no other credentials than appeared in his countenance and 
honest eyes ; but as soon as he landed, he commenced hustling 
around for a job. (he has been hustling ever since, by the way) and 
in exactly four hours from the time he passed through the precincts 
of Castle Garden, he was engaged to go to work as a stock keeper 
in the dry goods house of Walter & McSorley on Grand street. He 



remained with the firm about one and a halt years, during which 
time he learned to speak the English language fluently. In the 
spring of 1873, being anxious to see something of the great west, he 
came to Detroit, and found no difficulty in securing employment 
with C. H. Locke, then a leading Woodward avenue dry goods mer- 
chant. After four years service there, he concluded to go into 
some kind of business for himself, and with a capital of $.500, he 
bought out a small tea store at 311 Michigan avenue. He did so 
well in this venture that in the succeeding spring he opened a 
branch store at number 7, Russell House block, and in the same 
year established a tea store (and subsequently a branch) at Toledo. 
In 1880, by reason of failing health, he disposed of all his business 
interests except the store at 86 Monroe street, Toledo, but in the fall 
of 1881, his health being restored, he branched out on a larger scale 
than any of his former efforts, and with his establishment at 33 
Cadillac Square, he kept the tea business in Detroit on the jump for 
eight years. During this time he established branch house's 
at Buffalo, Fort Wayne, Toledo, Milwaukee and several other cities, 
conducting them all successfully. In 1889, Hull Brothers, of this 
city, failed, and the successful tea merchant made arrangements to 
purchase their enormous stock of groceries and provisions and con- 
solidate all his business interests in the immense establishment, in 
the conduct of which they had just proven insolvent. It was taking 
a considerable risk, and very few had any idea that he would make 
a success in the field where men of so much experience had failed. 
Nevertheless lie "sailed in," and with characteristic energy and in- 
genuity, developed additional attractions for purchasers, added new 
lines of goods, and soon had a profitable business, far more exten- 
sive than the old one ever was. His present establishment is 
undoubtedly the largest, best stocked and most conqjletely appointed 
of any retail grocery in Michigan. One of the pleasant features of 
this handsome and commodious store, which makes it a fashionable 
resort for the best families of the city, is the neat and tasty luncli 
department. This is conducted with scrupulous neatness, and is so 
arranged that it is a luxury for a lady, while giving her orders for 
household supplies, to satisfy the cravings of the "inner woman" 
with such delicacies as chocolate, ice cream or bon-bons. This 
being a department largely for accommodation of regular patrons of 
other branches of the establishment, the prices are placed at rock 
bottom figures. It is an attraction which no other business house 
of a similar nature possesses. Mr. Michell is a manufacturer, as 




CART, H. MICHELL. 



io8 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



well as a merchant, and makes a superior line of confectionery, 
extracts and groimd spices, the purity of which he guarantees, 
because he knows wliat thej' are made of. It retiuires the constant 
use of two of Burns' largf; coffee roasters to supply tlie demand for 
MichelTs coffees. Tliougli tlie business is extensive in all its rami- 
fications, Mr. MIchell finds time to give his personal attenion to 
superintending the wants, necessities and conduct of every depart- 
ment. 

J. G. II.VMBLEN. 

Was l)orn in Newmarket, New Hampsliire, in 1844. His early 
days were spent in Boston and in Maryland until he was about 10 
years of age. He was educated at Dickinson college, Carlisle, 
Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1W86 at the age of 23. He came 
to Detroit in ISflS and entered the employ of Hamblen, Baker & 
Company, remaining with them until 1880, in the wholesale fruit 
and canned goods business. On the dissolution of that firm lie 
commenced business for himself, opening at 66 and 08 Woodbridge 
street, where he remained imtil two years ago, when he removed to 
his present Bt:ind, 97 Jefferson avenue. Mr. Handden has always 
been in tins line of business, making a si'ecialty of the oyster 
trade. He employs travelers on the road covering Michigan, Ohio, 




J. Ci. IIAMHLEN. 

Indiana, and his trade also extends into Canada. His business has 
been prosperous from the start, and is constantly increasing. Mr. 
Hamblen devotes )iis entire time and attention to his business, and 
possesses every facility for satisfactorily supplying his customers. 
His qualifications, consisting of long experience, integrity and 
energy, gives him a most ex<'ellent rating among the business men 
of Detroit. 

(iEORGK B. IIOLLOWAY. 

George B. Holloway, merchandise broker and importers' and 
manufacturers' agent, was born at Buffalo, New York, October 13, 
1849, and was educated in the schools of that city. Ilis first 
venture in business was as clerk in the coal trade in which he 
continued until ISTI, when he came to Detroit, there becoming 
associated with the wholesale grocery house of L. J. Staph'S & 
Company, as salesman. In this relation he continued for about 
two years, after which he engaged in his present business of mer- 
chandise broker and importers' and manufacturers' agent at 55 
Grisvvold street, subsequently removing to 95 Jefferson avenue, and 
to his present location at 54 Shelby street, where he has handsomely 




GKORGE B. IIOLLOWAY. 

appointed offices. Mr. HoUoway represents leading houses in 
various lines, and among them are Spreckles' Sugar Uefinerj-, Phila- 
delphia ; the American Glucose Company, Buffalo, and the Rock- 
ford Oat Meal Company, Rockford, Illinois. He does an extensive 
business with the trade tributary to the Detroit market, and is 
enterprising and conservative in the management of implied 
interests. Mr. Holloway is prominently identified with leading 
industrial enterprises and liolds stock in various corporations. He 




FRANK S. DAVIS. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



109 




industry. The popular demand is for fancy confectioneries and 
such as are generally classed as French, and to produce them 
requires much more care and skill than formerly. Messrs. Gray, 
Toyiiton & Fox are eminent in this line, and have kept steady pace 
with the fullest e.xactions of the trade which has grown into very 
extensive proportions. The business was established in ISFO, and 
incorporated in 1881, with a capital of 1150,000. The factory 
building at 20 to 36 Woodbridge street, east, is five stories above a 
commodious basement, 80x80 feet in dimensions, and is fully 
equipped with the latest and most improved machinery and 
appliances for manufacturing demanded by its extensive oper- 
ations. A force of 1.50 skilled hands are given regular employ- 
ment, and the annual output aggregates in value $400,000. The 
firm also carry a full line of fire-works of the best manvifacturers. 
The trade territory embraces the whole United States, but princi- 
pally Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, 
Kansas and CDlorado. The officers are John S. Gray, president ; 
Charles H. Andrew, vice-president ; Walter S. Campbell, secretary 
and treasurer. 



HARRY J. PURSE. 

is a member of the Detroit Hunting and Fishing (Rushmere) 
Association and several other organizations. He married a Detroit 
lady and has a promising son. 

FRANK S. DAVIS & COMPANY. 
Frank S. Datis, merchandise broker, was born at Medina, 
Ohio, in 1853, and was educated in the schools of liis native village. 
At the age of 18 he went to New York city, where he found em- 
ployment as a salesman in the wholesale grocery business, at which 
he continued until 1874, having in the meantime been promoted to 
the position of manager of the tea department, which was con- 
ducted upon an extensive scale. From this he became associated 
with" the tea impoi'ting business, and in January, 1875, came to 
Detroit as the representative of Roswell, Skeel & Company, tea 
importers, ihcrefrom developing his present relation as merchandise 
broker, in which ho has found success and prominence. Mr. 
Davis represents oome of the leading houses of the country in 
varied lines, and has acquired an extensive trade for the goods 
he handles through Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. He is prudent, 
conservative and enterprising, and gives faithful and consistent 
attention to confided interests. 

Harry J. Purse, member of the firm of Frank S. Davis & 
Company, merchandise brokers, was born at East New Market, 
Maryland, November 2, 1864, and received his education at Seaford, 
Delaware. His first entry into business was as a clerk in a general 
store at Felton, Delaware, in which he continued for two years. 
After this he entered the employ of Nathan Trotter & Company, 
importers of tin plate and metals, at Philadelphia, remaining for 
four years, subsequently becoming associated with another firm in 
the same line in that city. He came to Detroit in 1888, and en- 
gaged with R. C. Wilby & Company, merchandise brokers, who 
were bought out by the present firm of Frank S. Davis & Company, 
January 1, 1890, of which he became a memljer. The firm repre- 
sents a number of the leading manufacturers and imjiorters of the 
country, and controls a large trade in the districts tributary to the 
Detroit market. Mr. Purse is progressive and enterprising, and 
while quite a young man has made a record among merchants as 
honorable as it is characteristic of energy and ambition. 
GRAY, TOYNTON & FOX. 
In the manufacture of confectionery at the present day, in order 
to successfully meet competition, the products must be in acct)rd 
with those of the leading and prominent representatives of that 



DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, FURNISHINGS, HATS, ETC. 

There is probably no other city of its size in the Union that is 
better supjjlied with high class establishments coming under the 
above head than Detroit. In fact, although the growth and devel- 
opment of the city is not complete, it already outnumbers many 
larger cities in fine wholesale and retail dry goods, clothing and 
other kindred lines of trades, these lines having kept pace with the 
city's progress in other directions. No other city of its size is better 
represented in the style and character of its buildings, and it has no 
superior in the quality, quantity, or variety of stocks carried by this 
class of merchants, who are able to compete successfully with other 
cities of the west. The large capital invested by leading firms in 
this line of business, renders Detroit a most advantageous market 
for country dealers to obtain their supplies, and many residing 
within the boundaries of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, come to De- 
troit from iireference, to purchase, instead of in the eastern 
markets. Among tlie many successful leading merchants in tliis 
department, besides those mentioned in detail, may be named, 
Edson, Moore & Company, Strong, Lee & Company, Burnham, 
Stoepel & Company, dry goods ; A. C. Bacon & Company, liats ; H. 
A. Newland & Company, furs ; Mabley & Company and R. H. 




MARVIN M. STANTON. 



1 lO 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



Traver, retaQ clothiers, and Heavenrich Brotliers, wholesale 
clothiers, all of whom are doing a thriving and prosperous business. 
In ready made clothing, hats, caps, and furs, an eijual enterjjrise is 
found thro\ighout the wholesale and retail trade of this city. 
Detroit is surrounded by a rich country and numerous large prosper- 
ous towns whicli makes this an important trade centre, and pro- 
motes this market to a highly satisfactory condition. 
STANTOX, MOREY & COMPANY, 
Manufacturers of Men's Furnishing Goods and Lumbermen's 
Wear, 120 and 122 Jefferson avenue. This business was originally 
establisliod October 1, 1873, by O. P. Hazard, James E. Brewster 
and M. M. Stanton, under the firm name of Hazard & Brewster, 
which January 1, 1881, was clianged to Brewster & Stanton, June 1, 
1887, to Stanton, Sampson & Company, and to its i)resent name and 
style, December 1, 1890. It is conducted upon a very extensive 
scale and its record has been one of continued and meritorious suc- 
cess. The death of Mr. Brewster, November 22, 1880, placed Mr. 
Stanton in the relation of sole proprietor until the formation of the 
existing firm. The factory building is five stories above a commo- 
dious basement 50x100 feet in dimensions, and is fully equipped 
with reipiisite modern machinery and appliances for the expe- 
ditious and tliorougli production of the goods, which find ready and 
rapid, sale througli tlie United Slates and principally in Maine, Xew 
York, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and 'Wisconsin. Steady emploj-- 
ment is given to 2.')0 hands and the annual product equals in 
value ^oOO,000. A specially is made of the manufacture of the 
"Peninsular" brand of pants, shirts and overalls, which are par- 
ticularly adapted to lumbermen's wear as being warranted not to 
rip. Each garment is guaranteed as represented, and a ticket is 
placed upon it requesting tlie purchaser, in case of a defect, to 
return it to the merchant from whom purchased and receive a new 
one in its stead. This liighly commendable principle of business 
has always been rigidly and scrupulously adhered to and has helped 
essentially to lay the foundation of llie present extensive trade 
relations of the firm and their conse(iuent large measure of pros- 
perity and importance among the leading manufacturing industries 
of Detroit. Pursuing the design of tlie house to produce the best 
and most salable gooils, their trade relations have been so enlarged 
as now to include the whole country. Their products are justly 
classed among the great staples of all principal markets, and the 
satisfaction expressed by all purchasers is the surest and best evi- 





AL'STIN E. MIJUKY. 



GEORGE 1,. SAIII'SOX. 

dence of their superiority and adaptability to intended purposes. 
The members of the firm are thoroughly experienced in the i)racti- 
cal details of their line of manufactures and give their critical 
personal attention thereto, thereby insuring the seciu-ity of cjuality 
and general essentials. Tliere is no in<lustry in Detroit more entitled 
to commendation as having perfectly met confided interests and 
attained tlie highest cliaracter of products, thaji Stanion, Morey & 
Company, wlio are justly classed witli the leading and most promi- 
nent trade exemplars who have distanced competition and won a 
name and prestige as honorable as distinguished Tlieir products 
are everywhere recognized as among desirable and salable goods 
upon which are placed the stamp of genuineness and undisputed 
excellence. 

JIarvis M. Stanton, senior member of tlie firm of Stanton, 
Morey & Company, was born in Otsego County, Xew York, ^n 1847, 
and wlieii but 7 years old came with his parents to MicliigaU; 
settling at Oxford, where his father conducted a general store and 
where he had other business interests. He was educated at Alfred 
university in New York state, completing his course at the age of 
20. After this he traveled for some time tlirough the Western 
sections of the country. In 1870 he engaged as traveling salesman 
for Charles Higgins, a prominent jobber, and continued in that 
relation until he established his present business in 1872. Ho has 
since that time been the chief instrument in bringhig the business 
of Stanton, Jlorey & Comjiany up to its present prominent elevation 
as manufacturers and jobbers of mens' furnishing gomls. He is a 
pioaiiiient iiienil)eri^)f the Detroit Commandery, K. V., and of the 
Westminsler Presbyterian church. He was married in j872 to Miss 
xMico Lee, and has one cliild, a promising boy of 6 years. 

Austin E. SIorey, member of the firm of Stanton, Jlorey & 
Company, was born at Lyons, Ohio, April 8, 1853. In his 5th year 
he removed with his parents to Adrian, Michigan, wliere his educa- 
tion was received in the public schools. He first engaged in 
business in 1872, as a book-keeper for the Adrian Paper Mill 
Company, retaining that position for three years, and was after- 
ward for five years associated with the lumber firm of Todd & 
Gerrish, at Earwell, Michigan. In 1880 he entered tlie employ of 
Sampson & Black, Detroit, as a book-keeper, continuing until his 
admission to partni'rsliip in the present firm. He is a member of 
Detroit Commandery, K. T., and is a prominent and prosperous 
merchant. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



I II 



George L. Sampson was born at Lancaster, New Hampshire, 
November 11, 1839. He lost liis mother when he was an infant. 
At the age of 13 he was put to school in Boston, where lie received 
a liberal education. Completing l\is studies lie was given, 
by his brother William, a clerkship in his shoe store at 
Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, a position which he creditably filled 
and in which he exhibited the qualities and abilities which subse- 
quently so greatly contributed to his successes in business. He 
afterward became connected with Lampkin's shoe house, in 
Boston, and continued with it vmtil failing health obliged him to 
return to his home at Lancaster, New Hampshire, where he re- 
mained for two years. Coming to Detroit in ISG.^, he entered the 
employ of A. R. Morgan, in the shoe business, v.-here he continued 
until 1867, when he became associated with the wholesale grocery 
house of J. B. H. Bradshaw, as traveling salesman. In 1878 Mr. 
Bradsbaw sold out to Sampson, 
Fletcher & Company, the firm 
name in 1880 being changed to 
Sampson, Black & Grant, and 
subsequently to S a m p s o n. 
Black & Company and George 
L. Sampson & Company. Mr. 
Sampson, after disposing of his 
interest in the grocery business, 
purchased an interest in the 
firm of Stanton, Sampson & 
Comjiany, subsequently 
changed to Stanton, Morey & 
Company. Mr. Sampson mar- 
ried the daughter of his oM 
employer, Mr. J. B. H. Brad- 
shaw. As a merchant and man 
of business, Sir. Sampson has 
afforded a signal example of 
success and as a citizen a 
notable instance of strict de- 
votion to the city's leading 
position in whatever concerns 
its vital elements. As a mem- 
ber of the house of Stanton, 
Morey & Company, Rlr. Samp- 
son has been especially active 
and enterprising, and has dem- 
onstrated those rare business 
qualities which constitute him 
a model merchant. 

JACOB BROWN & COMPANY. 

Jacob Brown, head of the 
house of Jacob Brown & Com- 
pany, was born in Germany, in 
1836, and came to the United 
States in his 13th year. He, at 
a very early age, evinced a 
strong inclination for mercan- 
tile pursuits, and soon after 
reaching Detroit, to which 
place he proceeded directly 
upon landing in this country, 
he essayed the business of a 
peddler, beginning with a stock of goods valued at |3.7o, obtained 
on credit. He tramped through Michigan, and while but little 
versed in the English tongue, he managed to do a highly profitable 
business. Subsequently investing a portion of his bard earnings in 
a horse and wagon, he was enabled to more satisfactorily and 
expeditiously conduct a business, which ere long permitted him to 
open a notion store at the little village of Tvemont, in Shiawassee 
County, Michigan, wiiich he conducted for about two years. The 
collapse of this hamlet drove him to Flushing, and ultimately to 
f_',t. Johns, Michigan. He returned to Detroit in December, 1868, 
and undertook the manufacture of fine cut tobacco, which be 
prosecuted seven years without appreciable profit. Abandoning the 
(obacco manufacture, he, in the fall of 1874, purchased the business 
of Shaw & Marvin, jobbers in notions and gents' furnishing goods, 




JACOB BROWN. 



at their old stand on Jefferson avenue, the present location of the 
fur house of H. A. Newland & Company. Here he continued to 
conduct the business with great success for five years, after which 
he removed to 180 Jefferson avenue, where he began the manufac- 
ture of pants, shirts and overalls. In this relation of his large and 
rapidly expanding business, Mr. Brown has exhibited the most con- 
summate skill and a ripe judgment. His trade embraces the West 
and Northwest. Over 400 hands are employed, and the annual 
jiroduct of pants, shirts, overalls and luml'crmen's supplies aggre- 
gates in value |300,000. The building occupied at 193 and 19.5 
Jefferson avenue is a commodious structure of brick, six stories in 
height, 4oxl00 feet in dimensions and provided with the most 
improved manufacturing appliances and facilities. Identified with 
the supreme interests of the manufacturing industries of Detroit as 
one of its prominent exemplars, and as President of the Detroit Alas- 
ka Sock Company, Mr. Brown 
justly merits and receives the 
support of the trade and the un- 
limited confidence and credit 
which attach to strict integrity 
and unfaltering adhesion to 
correct mercantile principles. 



Arthur Brown, son of Jacob 
I'.rown, and a veritable "chip 
of the old block," was born at 
Vernon, Michigan, in 1859. 
Ten years later he accom- 
])anied his parents to Detroit 
where, for the ensuing seven 
years, he received the best in- 
struction the city schools 
iifforded. Entering his father's 
service as an office boy, he 
won his way by successive pro- 
motions to his jiresent respon- 
sible position as a partner in 
the business of Jacob Brown & 
Company and the offices of 
Secretary and Treasurer of the 
Detroit Alaska Sock Company. 
Since 1883 lie has been a mem- 
ber of the firm of Jacob Brown 
& Company, for which he has 
accomplished much of its 
present prominence and im- 
portance through the display 
of eminent qualities and abili- 
ties, generally recognized and 
appreciated by the trade he 
lias been so instrumental in 
securing for the house. He is 
.ilert, enterprising and conser- 
vative; knows how to serve 
customers acceptably, and is 
indispensable to the business as 
a vigilant and judicious super- 
intendent and director. He is 
the happy father of a boy of 
nine years, who pi-omises to be 



an lienor to his parents and a worthy successor of his father's 
truly merited mercantile distinction. 

SCHILLING CORSET COMPANY. 

Manufacturers of Corsets and Sole Manufacturers of Dr. Schil- 
ling's Corsets ; Seventh and Abbott Streets. This industry was estab- 
lished in 1883 as the Detroit Knitting and Corset Works and in 1886 
changed to its present title. The proprietors of the business, Messrs. 
Joseph, Jacob and Abram Siegel, have by the exercise of rare 
talent and enterprising management constantly advanced 
its interests, and to-day the Schilling Corset Company takes high 
rank among the leading manufacturing considerations in this Une 
in the United States. The facilities for manufacturing are ample, 
and include a commodious four story and basement building, 



1 12 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



70x120 feet in dimensions, which is thoroughly equipped with the 
latest iinproveil machinery ami appliances for securing expedition 
and thorougliness in the operations of tlie factory. Tlie special 
produi-t, and which has been received with hiKh favor, is a corset 
invented hy Dr. ScliilUng and characterized hy reason of its adapta- 
liility to recpurcd essentials in its construction as the Dr. Schi ling 
Ilealth Preserving Corset. In this commendable achievement in 
the manufacture of corsets, due regard has been had to the health 
of the wearer, while in beauty of finish, durability and construction 
to meet the demand for conformity to natural positions, it is 
unquestionably superior to all others in the market. In addition to 
tliis specially, tlie Company manufacture from sixty to seventy 
different styles of corsets and waists, the output of which is IS.") 
dozen per d.-iy. Among the more noted of these, and wliich are 
(inisheil in many and varii'<l styles, are the " Jlodel Form, No. 850," 
the "Nonpareil," "Imperial," " Krench Shajies," "Detroit Ladies' 
Waist" and others of equal 
celebrity and salable quality, 
besides sanitary garments, 
such as corsets for nursing, 
abdominal corsets, etc. The 
trade teiTitory embraces the 
entire United States and the 
products wliich represent JSO,- 
0(10 dozen jicr year are of gen- 
erally reco;,'nized merit in all 
leading markets. This exten- 
sive industry deservedly holds 
high rank among Detroit's 
jirominent manufacturing in- 
stitutions, as well by reason 
of the exceptionally superior 
character of products as on 
account of the diligent and 
exemplary management of its 
proprietors. 

S. SIMON & COMPANY. 

S. Simon, the head of the 
house of S. Simon & Conqiany, 
was born at Bingen on tlie 
Rhine, in 1834. Coming to the 
United States in his fifteenth 
year, ho settled at Danville, 
Pennsylvania. His father was 
engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in Pliihulelphia, where be, 
after some years, died. The 
son came to Detroit and be- 
came connected with the cloth- 
ing house of E. Lieberman. 
Marrying the daughter of Jlr. 
S. Jacobson, he became associ 
ated with his father-in-law in 
his dry goods business. Mr. 
Simon occupied for two years 
the jiosition of President of the 
Wayne County Poor Coniniis- 
sinn and still serves as a mem- 
ber of the Commission. He is 
a member of the Odil Fellows and several other orders ami societies 
The firm to H-hich Mr. Simon belongs was established in ISOO uiid r 
the name and style of S. Jacobscm & Conqiany, Mr. S. Simon being 
the company. The original place of business was on Jefferson 
avenue, opposite the Biddle House, in a small building, 20x.')0 feet 
in dimensions, both parties living above the store. Tlie business 
was continued at this location until Jlr. Jacobson's death, in ISCT, 
when Mr. Simon became sole proprietor and removed the business 
to Woodward avenue, ujion the site of tlie store now occupied by J. 
H. Black. During this whole period Mr. Simon successfully con- 
ducted a wholesale and retail business. He continued in the 
Woodward avenue store up to 187."), when ho disposed of the retail 
department and entered into business with Schloss Brothers, on 
Jefferson avenue, under the firm name of Schloss Brothers & Simon, 




AliTHlR BROWN. 



in the wholesale clothing, dry goods and furnishing goods line. In 
1879 the firm was dissolved and Mr. Simon with Mr. Isaac Mendel- 
son began business in the same line at 185 Jefferson avenue, where 
it was continued for about two years, when Edson, Jloore & Com- 
I):iny having vacated the store at 100 and 103 Jefferson avenue, they 
removed to that location. This, their present establishment, is a 
fine building, five stories above a commodious basement, and is 
40x100 feet in dimensions. From 220 to 275 hands are given con- 
stant employment, and six traveling salesmen represent the inter- 
ests of the house in its trade territory, which extends from Maine to 
California. In the manufacture of gents' furnishing goods they use 
KiO sewing machin'es. The house is celebrated as a manufactory of 
lumtiermen's wear and is recognized as selling more goods in tliis 
line than ail other factories combined. They supi)ly the jobbing 
trade in this line^rom Maine to California and visit the retail trade 
in JlicliigMii, Wisconsin. ]\Iinnesota, and Dakota. The " Peerless" 

(trade mark) neglige shirts, 
made of flannel, silk, etc., have 
no superior in fit and make. 
Their products in pants, over- 
alls and other article:, em- 
bracing gents' furnishing 
goods, are highly appreciated 
by the large trade of the house 
which aggregates in value 
*.500,000 per year. 

WALTER BUHL & CO. 

Jlore than half a century 
ago the founders of the present 
house of Walter Buhl & Com- 
pany began in an humble way 
the business which to-day ex- 
' ceds in volume that of all the 
mercantile establishments in 
I )('troit at the time of its incep- 
tion taken together. The city 
was then a struggling hamlet, 
with none of the premonitions 
existent of its present growth 
and general manufacturing 
and mercantile importance. 
The extension of trade rela- 
tions and the enterprise and 
ambition of its commercial 
rejiresentatives have evolved 
the magnificent City of the 
Straits with its assured position 
among the great cities of the 
countiy. The house of Walter 
Buhl & Company has kept 
-teady pace with modern pro- 
•xress and ably maintainsits rep- 
putation and identity through 
the character of its jiroducts, 
which are rather to be judged 
liy their generally appreciable 
i|Uality flian by quantity of 
output. Even their lowest 
priced goods are made by ex- 
pensive skilled labor. As manufacturers of hats, caps, and furs in 
all of their varied relations, and as inqiorters of materials for their 
great range of products, the firm of Walter Buhl & Company has 
acquired a distinction and prominence which place them in the 
front rank, and they control a trade territory whiuh continually 
affords an abumlant patronage. The present business premises, at 
MG and 148 JeiTi'rsoii avenue, were constructed over forty years ago 
under tlie siqiervision of Mr. Frederick Buhl, the father of Mr. 
Walter Buhl, and since unchan^jed except in the direction of such 
improvements as were from time to time necessitated hy the ex- 
panding nature of the business. Jlr. Walter Buhl, the successor of 
his father in the business, was born at Detroit, July 25, 1845, and 
has been continuously interested therein since his seventeenth j-ear. 
His education was received in the city public schools, and few men 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



1 1 






JACOB BROWN & COMPANY. 



ISAAC MENDELSON. 

of his age have had a more extended experience and 
a more notable and lionored record as merchant and 
citizen. He has ever exliibited an ardent inclination 
for every species of organization pledged to the pro- 
gress of the city. 

BUTZEL BROTHERS & COMPANY. 
This firm are the successors of Heineman, Butzel 
& Company, of which they were for many years the 
most active members, and which firm they succeeded 
in January, 1890. They have been in active business 
in Detroit since 1861, devoting their time exclusively 
to building up and maintaining one of the leading 
wholesale clothing firms of the West. The portraits 
of Messrs. Martin and Magiuis Butzel, the actual 
jjartners in the firm, ai-e herewith introduced as 
representative types among Detroit's merchants who 
have, by enterprising and conservative management 
and direction in business achieved an eminent and 
meritorious distinction and prosperity. They have 
ever exhibited a progressive and philanthropic dispo- 
sition, and their names have often figured as con- 
tributors to movements in aid of public and 
benevolent enterprises. The building at 143 and 144 
Jefferson avenue is five stories in height; 48x210 feet 
in dimensions, and is provided with all the requisite 
facilities and appurtenances of the business. The 
merits of their products of men's youths', and boys' 
clothing have essentially contributed to the elevation 
and conspicuous position the firm has attained. This 
culmination has been largely due to the assistance 
rendered by the employes of the firm, whose business 
qualities have aided in securing the extensive trade 
relations of the house, which embrace Michigan and 
the Northwestern States. 

SCHLOSS BROTHERS & COMPANY. 
This establishment was founded in 1853 by Em- 
manuel and Seligman Schloss, and its record has 
been one of meritorious success and exemplary man- 
agement. As manufacturers of clothing and piece 



18] 



114 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




WAl.TJili JtL'HI* 

Rooils this iiiin is iiivL-steti with great distinctiDii us occupying a 
ixisition fortified l>y an able, conservative and judicious administra- 
tion of hiisiness. The facilities for numufacturing are of th<! latest 
and most iniproved description, including specially devised ma- 
chinery and appliances and electric power. The factory huilduig, 
at 184, 180 and 188 Jefferson avenue, is four stories above a commo- 
dious basement, and is 60x100 feet in dimensions. Skilled liands, to 
tlie number of 300, are given steady employment, and the annual 




St^^ 







value of the output is |400,000. The trade terri-ory emliraces 
Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The firm, as now constituted, 
is composed of Messrs. A. ('. and Albert W. Schloss, who are inti- 
mately acquainted with all tlie details of the business, over which 
they exercise the most critical superintendence. The line of goods 
manufactured includes a large variety of articles of clothing which 
are finished in a superior manner by competent workmen. A stock 
of about ^150,000 is constantly carried to supply the demand, which 
is very pronounced, owing to the desirable character and quality of 
the goods. 

J. L. HUDSON, CLOTHIER. 
J. L. Hudson was born in p^ngland, October 7, 1.84(3. (.'anie to 
the United States with his parents when he was 9 years of age. He 
attended school at Hamilton, Canada, four years; then worked in a 
grocery store there at $•"> a month, l)oarding at home. At the end 
of three months his i)aients moved to Grand Kapids, where he went 
to school six months, and in tiie spring and summer workeil on a 
farm. In June, 18(11, his parents moved lo Pontiac, Michigan, 
where ho immediately went to A\ork for the late C. R. Mabley, 
getting $4 for the first three weeks, then ^S a month. He remained 




MARTIN Hl'TZEI.. 



JIAUNUS BUTZEL. 

with Mr. JIabley five years ; then at the age of 19 went to Ionia, 
Michigan, engaging in business with his father. The death of his 
father in 1873 ])laced the interests of his estate in the hands of the 
son as the trustee for the heirs. The panic of 187:5 involved a large 
loss, and consequent losses in outside business, together with a loss 
of ,f8,(IO0 caused by the failure of E. Colby & Company, comi)elled 
a settlement with creditors which was made at 60 cents on the 
dollar. Tliis was accepted bj- New York, Rochester and Boston 
houses. The liome matters and all endorsed [juper was i)aid in full. 
In June, 1877, C. R. Mabley engaged him to take charge of his 
establishment in Detroit. In January, 1878, he was given a fourth 
interest in the profits of the establishment with a guarantee of 
|7 !)00 per annum. This partnership terminated January 10, 1881. 
On Apiil 2, of the same year, he opened in the Detroit Opera House 
building with a capital of ijsno, 000. Since retiring from the Mabley 
concern he has established branch houses at Cleveland, Buffalo, 
Toledo, St. I'aul, St. Louis an<l Crand Rapids. Nearly all of these 
concerns were bought from people who had been unsuccessful in 
the management of them. In 18S7 lie paid his New York creditors 
the balance of their old claims, with interest. His liraneli houses 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



"5 



ars the uiost irupoitaiit and successful in the cities and towns in 
which they are located. His annual sales amount to more than 
12,000,000. Mr. Hudson spends the greater portion of Ids time in 
Detfoit, where he resides at 14 Madison avenue, with his sister, who 
keeps house for him. In Mr. Hudson are strikingly exemplified the 
characteristics of indomitable will and tireless devotion to business. 
He has won, as a merchant, the most enduring and the most 
eminent distinction. 

H. HITCHCOCK, SON & COMPANY. 
This firm dates its existence from 18G8 when it was formed by 
Messrs. Horace Hitclicock and Willard and Henry Esselstyn. At this 
time the business was located at 147 Jefferson avenue, but was after- 
ward several times removed to more commodious quarters to ac- 
commodate its continual expansion. In 1881 tlie firm moved into 
tlieir present large and well appointed building at 111 to 113 Jeffer- 
son avenue, which is four stories in height and 35x100 feet in 
dimensions. The firm as at present constituted, is composed of 
Messrs. Horace and James H. Hitchcock, father and son, E. R. 
Hascall and W. E. Kelsey, the two latter gentlemen having been 
admitted to partnership in 1886, after the purchafe by Mr. Horace 



1^ «. * 




A. C. SCHLOSS. 

Hitchcock of the interest formerly held by Mr. Henry Esselstyn and 
his son, Elton A. Esselstyn, Mr. Williard Esselstyn having died soon 
after the original firm went into business. The firm are wholesale 
dealers in and importers of woolens and tailors' trimmings, for 
which they have acquired a large and profitable trade in Michigan, 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, in which the interests of the 
house are well represented by several traveling salesmen. A 
specialty is made of the finest grade imported goods from the best 
foreign looms, which are considered the best brought into this 
country. The annual sales express a value of from $300,000 to .$400,- 
000. Mr. James H. Hitchcock superintends the trimming depart- 
ment and Jlr. Horace Hitchcock the department of woolens. This 
firm holds a high rank in the trade of Detroit and has won a position 
which is honorable and distinguished. 

Horace Hitchcock, the head of the house of H. Hitchcock, 
Son & Company, was born at Orangeville, Pennsylvania, in 1836. 
His father was an itinerant Methodist minister, whose duties 
required frequent changes of residence. The son's earlier education 
was received in the common schools of the period. He was subse- 
quently fitted for college in Gouverneur Seminary in the State of 




J. L. HUDSON. 

New York. He taught for several years in the public schools and 
in 1857 removed to Central Iowa where he organized and conducted 
a large private school at Cedar Falls. In 1859 he engaged in the 
clothing and merchant tailoring business at Clayton, New York, 
which he successfully carried on until 1863, in which year iie 
removed to Lansing, Michigan, where he resumed business in the 
same line upon a more extensive scale. Coming to Detroit in 1868, 
he embarked in the wholesale business in the same relations and 




ALBERT W. SCHLOSS. 



ii6 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




HORACE LUTCHCOCK. 

founded tlio firui of Hitchcock, Esselstyn & Company, which, 
after various clianges, was resolved into the present style of H. 
Hitchcock, Son & Company, the successes of whicl\ belong to 
Detroit's commercial historj- as affording a potent and an illustrious 
example. Mr. Hitchcock is identified with various organizations, 
is a member of the executive board of the Slerchants' and ]Manu- 
facturers' Exchange ; for ten years a trustee of Albion College, and 
otherwise interested in the development and spread of education. 




He is a member of the Methodist church and a citizen pledged to the 
highest good of the public in all sure and consistent ways. 

FRANK J. LIGHT, 
Tailor, 175 3Iichigan avenue. This enterprising gentleman, 
who has justly earned the nom de plume oi "1\ie Nobby Tailor," 
is one of that species of whom it does not take nine to make a man, 
was born in Monroe, Michigan, March 2, 1860. Having been 
considerable of a traveler he learned his trade, locating in his 
native town in that business, after wliich he went westward, and 
from thence eastward, working a.s a successful journeyman in 
Cleveland, Pittsburg and other prominent cities. He finally per- 
manently fixed his clioiee upon Detroit, where he established his 
present business in 1880. By dint of pushing energy, perseverance, 
business integrity and all the qualifications pertaining to liis trade, 
he has won the enconiums of a large and increasing patronage. 
His store is well stocked with an elegant line of cloth and 
furnishings, and his prices ai'e as pleasing to his many i)atrons as 
his excellent fits, wliich are guaranteed to suit the most fastidious. 
He has filli'd tlie position of secretary of tlie Tailors' E.xchange of 
this city, and altliough young in years bids fair to rank among the 
most successful men in his line of business. 




FIU.NK J. LICHT. 



GEdKlJF. C. WKTIIKHHEE. 

WOODENWARE. 

GEORGE C. WETIIEUBEl': & COMPANY. 
George C. Wetherbee, head nt' ihr house of George C. 
Wetlierbee & Company, was born at Harvard, Massachusetts, July 
27, 1840. He attended the schools of his native town, and at an 
early age assisted his father in a general store, in tlie conduct of a 
hotel and in his duties as postmaster, tlius acijuiring a practical 
knowledge of details of mestimabk; value to liim. At the age of 
18 he went to Boston, securing emjiloyment in the jirovision busi- 
ness. At the outlireak of the rebellion lie returned home to enlist 
in the Twenty-thinl Massachusetts Infantry, rising to the rank of 
Major and serving tliroiigli the war. He came to Detroit in 1865 
and embarked in the retail grocery business, forming a co-partner- 
sliip under the name of Farquhar & Wetherbee. He afterward sold 
out his interest to a Mr. Livingston and engaged in the woodenware 
business with William Saxby, under the firm name of William 
Saxby & Comjiaiiy, in a store opposite the old Board of Trade 
building on Woodbridgo street. He afterward removed to the cor- 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



117 







^*" .JEt?" ^1 


^^^^H'»«s- Vi 


"m 


WKt' 



MARK G. MORRIS. 



BERNARD G. MORRIS. 



HARRY S. MORRIS 



ner of Jefferson avenue and Cass streets, and again to liis present 
location at 49 and 51 Jefferson avenue. In 1883 the business was 
incorporated with a capital of |T.5,000 and with the following oiifi- 
cers: George C. Wetherbee, president; M. E. Wetherbee, vice- 
president ; William Callahan, secretary and treasurer. This Com- 
pany conducts an extensive business in wooden and willow ware, 
brushes, cordage and all articles incident to their line of nade. 
Tliey are supplied principally from their large factory at the corner 
of Vinewood avenue and the crossing of the Grand Trunk Railway, 
where they give steady employment to about seventy hands. The 
value of the annual output aggregates about $300,000, and exten- 
sive trade relations are maintained with the entire country. Mr. 
Wetherbee is president of the Michigan Elevator and Engine 
Works, secretary and treasurer of the Columbian Brusli and Fibre 
Company, president of the United States Truck Company, one of 
the directors of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Mutual 
Insurance Company, and is prominently identified with other lead- 
ing industries. He is a member of the Detroit and Michigan Clubs, and 
a director of the Home of Industry. He married a Massachusetts 
lady and has two children, a son recently graduated from the Bos- 
ton Institute of Technology, and a daughter in her teens. 

B. G. MORRIS & COMPANY. 

This firm, which is composed of three brothers, Bernard G., 
Mark G., and Harry S. Morris, was established in 1882, and has had 
a successful business career, due to enterprising and judicious man- 
agement. Bernard G. Morris, the senior partner and founder of the 
business, was born in New York City, December 25, 1855; Mark G. 
Morris, who became a member of the firm in 1883, was born in New 
Y'ork City, May 18, 1860, and Harry S. Morris, admitted to partner- 
ship in 1886, was born at Detroit, June 1, 1865. This firm does an 
extensive wholesale business in woodenware, brushes, toys, child- 
ren's carriages, store fixtures, etc., at 63 and 64 Jefferson avenue, 
corner Cass street, and commands a large and growing trade with 
Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. They are the owners of the American 
Patent Brush Company, manufacturers of patent horse, scrub and 
whitewash brushes, and are identified with other leading industries 
and banks, Mr. Mark G. Morris being the vice-president of the 
Home Brewing Company. The business has grown from small be- 
ginnmgs to its present position among the first in its line in Michigaii. 
Six traveling salesmen are employed, and the annual output is 
valued at $200,000. The firm is progressive and conservative and 
commands extensive patronage, which is retained by strictly 
correct business methods. Mr. Bernard G. Morris is a member of 



the Michigan and Ph«nix Clulis, the Detroit Musical Society, the 
Royal Arcanum, A. O. U. W., and various other organizations. 
Messrs. Slark G. and Harry S. Morris are members of the Michigan 
and Phoenix Clubs. 

JEWELRY. 

F. G. SMITH, SONS & COMPANY. 
F. G. Smith, Sons & Company, diamond merchants, import- 
ers, jewelers and silversmiths, corner Woodward avenue and 
State street, had its original establishment in 1858, by Mr. M. S. 
Smith, the brother of Mr. F. G. Smith, the senior member of the 
present firm. The firm name after the original foundation of the 
business, became in 1880, M. S. Smith & Company, and was incorpo- 
rated in 1889 as F. G. Smith, Sons & Company, with a capital of 
.|!75,000. The building occupied has a frontage of thirty feet on 
Woodward avenue, extending back 100 feet on State street. Emijloy- 
ment is given to thirty-five men in the several departments and the 
annual output of the business is valued at about $300,000. This firm 
justly takes i-ank among the leading representatives of its kind in 
Detroit and maintains its position with scrupulous fidelity. 

F. G. Smith, Senior, head of the house of F. G. Smith, Sons & 
Company, was born at Catskill-on-the-Hudson, New York, July 17, 
1828, and was educated in the public schools. In 1844 he came 
with his parents to Michigan, arriving at Detroit June 4, of the 
same year. He subsequently went to Pontiac, Michigan, where he 
became connected with the dry goods business in which he con- 
tinued until 1849 when he returned to Detroit, and for two years 
thereafter, was associated with Mr. Clark in a general store. After 
this for three years he was connected with Holmes & Company, and 
then was engaged with George P. Pease & Company in the dry 
goods business. He married in 1855 and from that time conducted 
business on his own account. Soon after this he formed a partner- 
shijj with his brother-in-law under the firm name of Judson & Smith, 
located on Woodward avenue near the Russell House and which 
was continued for five years, when the business was closed out. 
At the outbreak of the civd war, he received the appointment as 
chief clerk under Cul. George W. Lee, assistant United States 
Quartermaster, serving three years. He next engaged in business 
in the jewelry line with his brother Mr. M. S. Smith, a relation sus- 
tained until 1880, when the business was incorporated as M, S. 
Smith & Company, and which was succeeded in 1889 by F. G. Smith, 



^ ll^P 





F. O. SMITH, SR. 



ii8 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




F. O. SMITH, JR. 

Sons & Company, of which he l)ooame president, the position wliinli 
he has since held. 

F. G. Smith, Jdni u, niembor of the firm of F. G. Smith, Sons & 
Conii)any, was born at Detroit, Novembers, 1857, and was educated 
in the c'lty public schools, afterwards taking a business course in 
Dusseldorf, Germany, where he was graduated. When the present 
firm was incor])oraU'd he became an active member and has since 
sustained tliat relation. 

STURGEON & WARREN. 
One of the most inviting j^laces of interest in Detroit is the 
elegant diamond jjarlors of Sturgeon & Warren located at 17 State 
street, where the eye of the visitor is regaled with a scene of 
dazzling lieauty. Their collection of diamonds, gems and precious 
stones is as large as any in the west and quite as choice in selection. 
Their handsome cases present a most tempting display of those rare 
and ('ostly gems. The proprietors of this Aladdin-like palace, 
though young men, are both noted in experience relating to their 
business. William A. Sturgeon was born in Detroit in 1804. About 
fifteen years ago lie engaged with M. S. Smith & Company ( now 
F. G. Smith, Sons & Company) with whom he remained until April, 
1891, when he and Mr. Warren engaged in Imsiness together, dealing 
exclusively in diamonds and gems. C. W. Warren was born in 
Portlan<l, Maine, in 18(11. lie learned his business in St. Louis with 
The Mei moid & Jaccard Jewelry Company, one of the largest firms 
of its kind in {he United States. He also served with Wright, Kay 
& Company in the diamond department of their store. Both Mr. 
Sturgeon and Jlr. Warren are married men having wedded Detroit 
ladies. The diamond parlors of Messrs Sturgeon & Warren are 
modeled after the Parisian style and are considered among the 
finest in the United States. Their arrangements for the comfort 
and entertainment of visitors are complete and their outlook for 
success is verv brilliant. 



ELECTRIC WORKS. 

Detroit is unquestionably tlie most pruminent city in the Union, 
as an electric works centre. It may be properly called the birth- 
place and home of what is known as the storage battery. The vast 
manufacturing facilities of the city make an almost milimited 
demand for the various modern electrical api)aratus and ajipliances 
inchuling telegraph and telephone apparatus, dynamos for eloclro- 



philiiig and lighting purposes, electric bells, electric motors for 
operating machinery, etc. The more important establishments are 
mentioned at length in the following sketches. The oldest organ- 
ization in this line is that of the D<-troit Electrical Works, estab- 
lished in 18S3; and among the prominent promoters of electric 
works here maj' be mentioned W. A Jackson who is inseperably 
connected with the progress of this important line of business. 
Besides the above may be mentioned the Detroit Motor Company, 
organized in 1886, with Hon. W. C. Mabury as president; the 
Detroit Electrical Works, Brush Electric Lighting Works, Edison 
Illuminating Company, Thompson & Houston Electric Light Com- 
Company, the Fisher Electric Company, the Fontaine Safety 
Signal C'omi)an_v, and various others dealing in the diversified 
forms of electrical supjilies, the demand for which is continu- 
ally increasing. 

DETROIT ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER COMPANY. 
William II. Fitzgeu.vld, Secretary and General Manager of 
the Detroit Electric Light & Power Company, was born in the 
county of Leeds, Ontario, February 23, ISOG. His progenitors were 
Scotch-Irish and among the early and influential settlers in Canada. 
He was graduated from Farmersville Grammar School, in his native 
county, and for three succeeding years was engaged in teaching, 
after which he accepted a clerkship in a general store at Addison, 
in Leeds county. He continued to follow clerking and book-keep- 
ing continuously to 1877, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where 
he procured a situation in tlie wholesale and retail dry goods house 
of E. JI. McCiillan & Company. In 1S79 he engaged in the electrical 
business with the Telegraph Supply Company, which was later 
merged into the Brush Electric Company. He remained at Cleve- 
land in this relation until the spring of 1882, when ho was sent by 
the Brush Electric Company to Detroit to fill the position of a prac- 
tical electrician for their local plant. Six months afterward he was 
appointed superintendent and manager of the Brush Electric Light 
Conqiany, of Detroit, holding that position from January 1, 1883 to 
May 1, 1880. In the latter j-ear he became interested in the organ- 
ization of the Commercial Electric Company, in which ho is a half 
owner. In September, 1889, he helped to organize the j)resent 
Detroit Electric Light & Power Company, becoming its secretary 
and general manager, also one of its largest stockholders. Mr. Fitz- 
gerald, in connection with Messrs. William B. Moraii and Ralph 
Phelps, Jr., who constituted the executive board of the company. 



ri '» ft 




C. W. WARUEN. 



W. A. STDRUEON. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



119 




WILLIAM H. FITZGERALD. 

secured the contract for ligliting the city of Detroit, which was 
granted in January, 1890. Mr. Fitzgerald succeeded in estal)lishing 
an underground system of arc lighting wliioh has proven entirely 
satisfactory and affords a notable instance of his superior skill and 
management of electric lighting essentials. While still a young 
man, Mr. Fitzgerald has accomplished many signal triumphs in 
connection with the electrical business, and has acquired during his 
residence in Detroit much valuable real estate. He married Miss 
Burke, of Cleveland, Ohio, and has one cliild. He is a member of 
the Detroit Hunting and Fishing, the Michigan Yacht, Detroit 
Athletic and the Catholic Clubs. He resides in his beautiful home 
at the corner of Fourth and Joy streets. The Detroit Electric Light 
& Power Company was organized and incorporated in September, 
1889, with a capital of .f300,000, which has tince been increased to 
$600,000, and is officered as follows: William B. Moran, President; 
William S. Crane, Vice-President; Joseph B. Moore, Treasurer; 
William H. Fitzgerald, Secretary and General Manager. 

THE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. 
This company was organized in April 1888 for the purpose of 
carrying on the business of electrical engineering and construction, 
and in this line of work have been remarkably successful, making a 
specialty of electric lighting plants for cities, towns, villages, 
factories, buildings, boats, and in the organization of electric light- 
ing companies. Since beginning operations the company has 
equipped and built over sixty plants representing a very large busi- 
ness. They were instrumental in organizing the Detroit Electric 
Light & Power Company, whose system is now lighting the city. 
They have also organized companies in tliis and other states, which 
are operating very profitably. Nearly all the largest buildings in 
the city have been equipped electrically by the Commercial, among 
which might be named the Hammond and Hudson buildings, the 
plant in the latter building representing nearly |20,000. The com- 
pany are territorial agents for several large manufacturers of electri- 
cal apparatus and at present are propagating the National Trans- 
former system of incandescent (long distance) lighting. The 
Sperry system of arc-ligliting, the Detroit electric motor and the 
Fisher automatic dynamo and generator for isolated incandescent 
lighting, apparatus that is selected for their trade on account of the 
superior points of merit they possess over that of other manu- 
facturers. To this and the retention of skilled electrical engineering 



talent and labor, and untii'ing hustling in the business department, 
may be due their success. The company also have an extensive 
supply department, having two stores and basement filled with 
electrical goods of every description, mainly such as are used for 
equipping electric light, railway, telephone, telegraph, buildings,, 
factories, etc. They are agents for the celebrated Okonite wires and 
cables, which have a national reputation, and have recently issued a 
handsome catalogue of three hundred pages, illustrating their goods 
in this line fully. The officers of the company are Joseph B. Moore, 
President; George E. Fislier, Secretary and General Manager; O. 
D. Chase, Superintendent of Construction ; with office and sales- 
rooms at 55 and 57 Gratiot avenue. 

George E. Fisher, Secretary and General Manager of the Com- 
mercial Electric Company, was born at Detroit, August 1, 1861. 
His education was received in the public schools and completed in 
a business course at Goldsmitli's University. He began his actual 
business career as a clerk in Greening & Comi^any's dry goods store, 
where he was employed for three years. He was afterward associ- 
ated with Isbell & Merrill, as cashier and bookkeeper, continuing in 
those relations until the dissolution of tliat firm, when he became 
interested with their successors, Isbell & Company, until 1883. He 
next became manager of the Merchants' Store Railway Company, 
which was continued up to the time when it was sold out to the 
Lamson Store Railway Company, of Boston. He, thereafter, 
became connected with the Electric Accumulator Company, of New 
York, wlio founded the Electiic Accumulator & Lighting Company 
of Detroit, of which he became general manager, and so acted up 
to April, 1888, when he resigned to organize the Commercial Elec- 
tric Companj', of which he is the secretary and general manager, 
positions in which he has incurred distinguished recognition and 
prominence. 

THE MARKLE ENGINEERING COMPANY. 

John R. SIarkle, steam and electrical engineer, was born at 
Ancaster, Ontario, June 23, 1845. His father being an attorney at 
law and an itinerant minister, the duties of this latter calling made 
frequent changes of residence necessary, and the son's education 
was obtained in various western towns, but principally at Maquo- 
keta, Iowa. When only 16 years of age he enlisted in the ninth 
regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After two years of hard 
campaigning, attended by considerable illness, he was honorably 
discharged. After recui"era>ing, he re-enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, 




GEOROE E. FISHER. 



I20 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




JOHN R. MARKLE. 

in the ISOtli regiment of Ohio Infantry, and served w)iile this regi- 
ment was iierfoxinhig garrison duty in tlio fortifications at Washing- 
ton, District of Columbia. After tlie war lie went to Denver, Colo- 
rado, where he engaged in cigar manufacturing and general mer- 
chandising, achieving good success. After the great fire of 1871 he 
went to Chicago, to embark in the grain and produce business on 
the board of trade, in which he continued up to 1881, when he came 
to Michigan in tlie interest of Edison's electric light, taking charge 
of the state dei>artnient of business, with headnuarters in Detroit. 
He sold the first incandescent light plant in the state to O. N. Tay- 
lor, at Ludington. He has established the Markle Engineering 
Company at ['-t'-i Jellerson avenue, and owns an interest in seven 
electric lighting ci'ntral stations estalilished by him. Nearly 100 
isolated electric lighting plants have been established under his 
management. He has invented a number of useful and practical 
electrical devices, which are applicable to electrical construction, 
and these articles are now manufactured by the Markle Engineer- 
ing Company. Mr. Markle is chairman of one of the most 
imp.jrtant committees of the association of the Edison illuminating 
companies for standardizing ])roper api)aratus and practices in the 
business. He is an active electrical expert and proficient in the 
knowledge of gas as a fuel and as a lighting agent, having been 
instnimental in organizing the first jn'actical developments in the 
directi.in of artificial fuel gas. He takes a deep interest in the ques- 
tions of social and i)olitical economy, and in all branches of scien- 
tific research, his contributions to the press on these subjects having 
been received with marke<l favor. 



PAPER iJEALERS. 

PAIGE & STRACHAN. 
This firm, manufacturers of paper and wholesale dealers in all 
kinds of paper, stationery, wall papers and shade goods, was estab- 
lished in 1885, and is composed of Messrs. Fred O. Paige and Albert 
R. Strachaii. They have achieved a notable success and liave con- 
stantly advanced their interests b}' enterprising and judicious man- 
agement, opening up a large trade in the more important eastern 
and western trade centers for sugar bags and wrapping 
papers of their own manufacture and in establishing extensive job- 
bing relations with Michigan, Oh>o, Indiana and Canada. The 
annual output of the business is valued at $370,000, and, under the 



present stimulus of active demand, will in the near future 
largely exceed that limitation. The firm employ ample capital and 
command every reijuisito facility for transacting extensive opera- 
tions. The salesrooms at 141 and 143 Jefferson avenue comprise two 
buildings with dimensions of 00x100 feet with four .stories and base- 
ment, adequately adajited to the requirements of the business. 
While the members of the firm are young men, they liave already 
achieved the distinction of being identified with the most promi- 
nent and successful merchants of Detroit. This firm enjoys the 
distinction of being the onh- exclusive jobbers of wall paiier in the 
state of Michigan. They conduct a large ]>rintiiig establishment 
principally devottfd to the execution of railroad, cii'cular and map 
work. 

JOHN B. PRICE & COMPANY. 
JoHX B. Price, head of the house of John B. Price & Company, 
dealers in paper and printers' supplies, 123 Jefferson avenue, was 
the pioneer founder of this line of business in Detroit, his associa- 
tion with it beginning thirty-si.'C years ago as an employe of the 
house of Pease & Fuller. After being connected with this house 
for eleven years he became a member of the firm of Cornwells, 
Price & Compaii}', succeeded by the jiresent firm aoout ten years 
ago. In the fall of is.j" Mr. Price furnished the first comjilete news- 
paper outfit ever i>ut up in Detroit. Previously Michigan printers 
had procured their printing sujiplies from the East. The business 
has been greatly extended and embraces large trade territory, and 
its conduct lias been signalized by increasing enterprise and pros- 
perity. January 1, 1S90, Mr. William C. Jujip was admitted to 
partnership, the firm name becoming John B. Price & Company. 




PAIGE & STRACHAN. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



121 




JOHN B. PRICE. 

This liouse carries a full and complete stock of all styles, weights 
and sizes of paper, Farmer, Little & Company's type, printing inks, 
"Chandler & Price," "Peerless" and "Cranston" printing i>resses 
and paper cutters, and printers' supplies of every conceivable char- 
acter. Mr. Price is an able exponent of the prosperous merchant, 
whose long experience and knowledge of the demands of the trade 
invest him with notable distinction. He is a Mason and a promin- 
ent member of Damascus Commandery, Knights Templar, member 




of the Detroit Boat Club, Detroit Athletic Club, Past Grand Master 
A. O. tJ. W. and treasurer of the Singer Fire Alarm Company. The 
paper on which this book is printed was furnished to order by this 
firm. 

WiLHA.^i C. Jupp, member of the firm of John B. Price & Com- 
pany, was born at Detroit, July 23, 1859. After receiving Lis edu- 
cation in the public schools he entered the employ of Stephen F. 
Smith & Company, wholesale boots and shoes, as salesman. In 
1883 he visited Dakota, where he purchased and still owns a farm 
of 160 acres. After one years exptrience in tl-.e cultivation of his 
Dakota farm he returned to Detroit and became associated with 
John B. Price as book-keeper, in which relation he quickly estab- 
lished a proficiency and direction in the management of the details 
of the business which culminated in his admission to partner- 
ship January ], 1890. He is secretary and treasurer of the North- 
western Amateur Rowing Association, director of the Detroit Boat 
Club and one of the original members of the Detroit Athletic Club. 
He is an enthusiastic admirer of all amateur manly sports in 
which he has always taken an active interest. Mr. Jupp has 
demonstrated those sterling abilities and general business 
characteristics which constitute commercial integrity and dis- 
tinguished elevation. 




WILLIAM C. JUPP. 



FACTORY OF DETROIT PAPER NOVELTY COMPANY. 

DETROIT PAPER NOVELTY COMPANY 
This concern was re-organized in April, 1890 and capitalized at 
$100, 000. The officers are W. B. Thompson vice-president, F. H. 
Farnsworth, secretary and treasurer. The annual output of prod- 
ucts in paper boxes, lard and oyster jiails, etc. is about ■150,000. 
Under the present efficient administration of its affairs it is taking 
leading ground among Detroit's great industries. Its trade territory 
includes Michigan, Ohio, Indiana. Minnesota Wisconsin, Nebraska, 
Kansas and Missouri with agencies, at New York City, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore and Washington, D. C. The printing is done entirely 
through their own outfit which has facilities adapted to every 
implied consideration. The works are located at the corner of 
Congress and Fifth streets, and comprise 150 feet on fifth street and 
100 feet on Congress, five stories in height, properly lighted and 
adequately equipped with machinery of the invention and patent of 
the company. This is the only envelope plant west of Buffalo 
making hand made envelopes and a nuuiljer of specialties produced 
by no otlier concern. 

AMERICAN PAPER COMPANY. 
David Blumenthal, head of the firm of L. Blumenthal & Sons, 
proprietors of the American Paper Company, was born in Europe 
and came, when ten years old, to the United States, locating at 
Indianapolis, Indiana. Here he was put to school, his education 
being continued at Detroit, to which he removed in 1870. Upon the 
acceptance by his father of an agency for S. Simon & Son, paper 



122 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMiMERCE. 




DAVID IIUJIEXTIIAL. 

stock dealers, he became associated with that hrancli of business, 
and some years later, with liis fatlicr and brothers, establislied the 
lirm of L. Blunieiithal & Sons, the founders of tlie American Papei 
Comi)any. In 1»S3 this firm was consolidated with tlie firm of 
S. .Simon & Son, but the jKUliiership after one year was dissolved, 
the business since having been conducted under its present style. 
The business lias been of continual growth, and througli the addi- 
tion of building acconiinodations and other requisite facilities has 
attained extensive proportions. The lirm are brought into close 
connection with paper mills, and liandle large quantities of paper 
in excliange for stock, and manufacture to order a large variety of 
wrajiping )japer. Tlie trade territory embraces Ohio, Micliigan, 
Indiana and New England. Tlie annual output aggregates in value 
,|5UII,H()t). The buildnigs occupied at 207, 209 and 21 1 Larned street, 
west, and 2!I-j, 2!)T and 2!)!) Orleans street, afford anii)le acconiinoda- 
tions and are ]>ruvi(led witli requisite machinery and appliances for 
manufacturing. l\Ir. liluiueutlial is the active member of tiie iirm 
and is tliorougldy conversant witli tlie details of the business. 

BEECHER, PECK & I.FAVIS. 
The above named company located at 139 Jefferson avenue 
west, dates its establishnieiit from September 1, ISiss, and are noted 
as among the most successful and enterprising dealers in their im- 
portant line of trade, operating as wholesale jobbers of all varieties 
of ijaper and stationery, including the general requirements of deal- 
ers in every department of that branch of business. The present 
firm includes Marshall W. Beechei", Albert F. Peck and John E. 
Lewis. All of these gentlemen, though young in years, are old in 
the exi)erience and knowledge of their business, and since the date 
of their establishment tliey have by industry and good management 
combined with integrity of business principles, worlied up one of the 
most important industries of its kind in Michigan. Their success, 
dating from theit first endeavor, has continuously advanced, until 
they cover the entire field of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, where 
they are represented by seven travelers. Thej- also employ three 
city salesmen to look after their large local trade. Tlie size of the 
l)uilding they occujiy is 30x100 feet and includes five stories. Tney 
fiiinish employment for about twenty-five hands. This firm is par- 
ticularly note<l for possessing perfect facilities for the iirompt filling 
and shipment of orders, )>riding themselves on the fact that all 
orders are shipped the same day upon which the order is received. 



MAK.SHALL W. Beecher, senior member of the firm of Beecher, 
Peck & Lewis, was born in Jefferson County, New York, in 1849, 
and came to Michigan at the age of 17, engaging in the lumber 
business at Spring Lake, where he remained aliout three years. 
Coming to Detroit in ls69 he engaged in the drug Vmsiness, which 
he continued until ISSl, when in a small way lie starteil in the 
wboIes;ile paper trade for himself, which he carried on for about 
two years, at the expiration of which time he forme 1 Ids present 
partnership with Jlessrs. Peck & Lewis. Mr. Beecher is a 
tliorougldy practical business man, seldom, if ever, engaging in 
affairs outside of liis business, he has consequently never been in 
politics or public office, and his strict devotion to the commercial 
interests of liis firm has much to do with their present prosperous 
condition. 

Albekt F. Peck, of the firm of Beecher, Peck & Lewis, was 
born at Port Jarvis, Orange County, X. Y., Septeiiil«'r 8, 180:5, where 
he received his schooling, afterwards attending Eastiiiairs Business 
College, at Pouglikeepsie, N. Y. After coiiipleting his studies he 
came to Detroit and entered the oflice of the Northwestern Trans- 
portation Company, which position he lield for four j'ears, when he 
then formed a partnershi]) with Jtessrs. Beecher & Lewis. Sir. 
Peck's department of the business is the charge of the office and 
financial part of the establishment. Young and vigorous, he is an 
active business man, and fills an iinporlant niche in the liusiness lie 
successfully represents. 

John E. Lewis was born at Fredericktown, Knox County, Ohio, 
May 10, 18i."). When lie was eight years old he removetl to Flint, 
Michigan, with liis parents, and from thence he came to Detroit 
in January, 1801. Mr. Lewis has been in the paper business 
for various firms during a period of seventeen years, and 
since the organization of the firm of Beecher, Peck & Lewis, his 
time has been chiefly occupied on the road in the interests of his 
firm, whose success is largely <liie to bis excellent qualifications as a 
traveling salesman. 



NEWSPAPERS. 

The Press of the city of Detroit occupies a position pre-emi- 
nently above any city of similar size in the United States, being 
fully up to the highest standard of newspaper enterprise in modern 
limes. Detroit's newspapers are true representatives of the prog- 
ress and prosiierity of the city. The Detroit Free iVcss has an inter- 
national reputation and a high standing in this country and in 
Europe, where a branch office is located. A more extended notice 




MAUSHALI, W. BEECHER. 



ALBEUT F. I'ECK. 



JOHN E. LEWIS. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



123 



is given in the special sketch relative to that paper. The Tribune 
is an old established morning paper of which James E. Scripps is 
president. The Tribune Company is incorporated with a capital 
stock of .flOO.OOO and has recently become the property of Mr. 
Scripps and others. It is Republican in politics. R. B, Gelatt is 
editor-in-chief. The evening newspaper field is occupied by four 
dailies: The Sun, noticed more fully in a .special article following; 
The Evening Jonrnal, established in 1883, Republican in politics,' 
with W. H. Brearly editor, manager and proprietor; The Evening 
Neu-s, established in 1873 and incorporated with a capital stock of 
$50,000, J. E. Scripps treasurer, independent in politics; The Tiinen, 
published by Tlie Times Publishing Company, incorporated with a 
capitial stock of |.'50,000, the officers of which are not publicly men- 
tioned; Robert T. Deacon is 
general manager and two 
editions are published daily. 
This paper is also independent 
in politics. 

DETROIT FREE PRESS. 

Inseparably connected and 
closely identified with the 
history and progress of De- 
troit, from 1831 to 1891, is the 
record of the Free Press. 
Venerable in years, but lively 
and vigorous as if in its youth, 
founded in tlie presidential 
era of Andrew Jackson, it has 
ever been tlie staunch and 
consistent advocate of Demo- 
cratic principles. Older than 
the state of its birth, it has 
outgrown the commonwealth 
and attained tlie pinnacle of 
fame and fortune until it has 
grown from a small sheet of 
four pages to rank among the 
largest and most elegant 
publications of its class in the 
newspajier world. Its daily 
editions circulating in every 
portion of Michigan and ad- 
joining territory, and its 
handsome weekly editions are 
read and admired wherever 
tlie Englisli language is spo- 
ken. It is jiointed to with 
pride as the earliest success- 
ful journal of the great North- 
west, and has established 
branch offices over the sea 
where it has made a decided 
hit and become a liouseliold 
word and favorite. In the 
year of its first issue, the Free 
Press printed 38,000 papers, 
in the year 1890, its circula- 
tion books record 24,000,000 
copies of its various editions. 
It began its existence in small quarters on the corner of Bates and 
Wood liridge streets, under tlie proprietorship of Slieldon McKiiiglit. 
It now occupies commodious offices on Lamed street and has estab- 
blished various branches as its demands required. Three times this 
enterprising journal has suffered by fire, each time arising Plioenix 
like from its ashes. It has ever employed the best of literary talent 
upon its staff, many of its writers attaining brilliant fame as shining 
lights in journalism. In 183(3 L. L. Morse of tlie Ontario, New York, 
Messenger, and John S. Bagg purcluised the plant, and later on Mr. 
Bagg became sole iiroprietor, continuing so formanj' years. He died 
in this city in 18T0. Col. John S. Harmon took a third interest in 
the ]iaper, even while it lay in tlie ashes of conflagration, possessing 
nothing but its name ; together with the surviving brothers of Mr. 
Bagg he conducted it onward to success. From 18.J.3 to 1861 Wil- 



DETROIT FREE PRESS BUILDING. 



bur F. Storey was its editor and proprietor, Henry N. Walker suc- 
ceeding him until 1872, since which time Mr. William E. Quinby 
has been principal owner, the present officers being William E. 
Quinby, president; A. G. Boynton, vice-president, and F. Fayram, 
secretary and treasurer. Such is the brief outline of the continued 
rise of what is not only one of the first newspapers of the state, but 
one of tlie leading journals of the present day, 

William E. Quinby is known throughout the length and 
lireadth of the land as the ruling spirit of that universally popular 
newspaper the Detroit Free Press, with which he has been connected 
for over thirty years— half the span of the life of tliat paper. Mr. 
Quinby was born in Brewer, Maine, December 14, 1835. In the year 
1850 he came with his parents to Detroit, beginning his journalistic 

career upon the Literary Mlis- 
cellany, his fathers' magazine. 
In 1858 he graduated from 
the literary department of 
Michigan University and, 
after studying law with the 
firm of Walker & Russell, was 
admitted to the bar. His nat- 
ural tastes leading to journal- 
ism, he soon after connected 
himself with the Free Press, 
doing the legal reporting; 
within a short time he was 
made City Editor, from which 
positson he rose to be Manag- 
ing Editor. In 1803 Mr. Quin- 
by purchased an eighth in- 
terest in the capital stock of 
the Free Press C'ompany, and 
in 1872 he also bought the in- 
terest of Col. Norvell, and 
soon after that of H. N. 
Walker, thereby gaining con- 
trol of the paper. Since this 
time Mr. Quinby, as principal 
proi>rietor and Editor-in-Chief 
has shaped and directed the 
[lolicy of the paper. C'onserv- 
tive, yet eminently progress- 
ive and enterprising, the Free 
Press owes to his energy and 
ability its high standing and 
far reaching influence. Mr. 
Quinby's keen insight into 
cliaracter has enabled him to 
surround himself with a most 
efficient editorial and busi- 
ness staff, a number of whom 
have been associated with 
him for years. Always ap- 
proachable, * he is a most 
courteous and affable gentle- 
man, possessing qualities 
which greatly endear him to 
his friends and associates. 
To Jlr. Quinby and the Free 
Press Detroit is indebted for 
much of her reputation abroad and her progress and success at 
home. Ever identified with her business interests; striving for the 
enlightenment and entertainment of her citizens; having in mind 
her political, social and moral welfare, the paper and its editor 
have been and are a great jiower for good in the municipality and 
in the country at large. 

Frederick Fayram, secretary, treasurer aii<l business iHanager 
of the Free Press C'ompany, was born near Sheffield, England, April 
?>, 1853. Ill 1861 his parents emigrated to Canada taking up their 
residence in Hamilton, Ontario, a few years later removing tD Tor- 
onto. While in these two cities Mr. Fayram received a common 
school and business education. In 1870 he removed with his 
father's family to Detroit where lie has since resided. His first 
business venture in this city was in the manufacture of cigar, shelf 




124 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




WII.I.IAlt K. i.iL'INHV. 

mill ]jacking lioxcs, in wliich enterprise he was ongageil, wilh (Jeo. 
Iluiit. for about two years, when lie sold out his interest to take a 
]iosition with tin; Ilargreaves Manufacturin;; Companj-. March 20, 
1ST5 he accopteil a position with the Free Press Company as sub- 
scription clerk; after a time he was made superinten<leiit of the 
subscription department, in wliioh capacity, by liispush and energy, 
he was largely instrumental in working up for the Free Press its 
splendid daily and weekly cii-culation. In March, 1887. Mr. Fayram 




was °lected to succeed N. Eisenlord as secretary, treasurer and 
l>usiness manager of the Free Press Company, he purchasing Mr. 
Eisenlord's stock interest in the Company. Under his management 
the business of the paper has grown very rapidly, so much so. that 
it has been necessary to considerably enlarge the plant and premises 
to afford proper facilities. Mr. Fayram is also vice-mesident of the 
Detroit Free Press Printing Company. Socially Mr. Fayram is very 
popular; for many years he was prominent in n\usical circles, being 
the possessor of a rich and well trained baritone voice. For two 
years past, however, lie has been conipelh'd by pressure of 



<^k^.'f^c 




FREDERICK FAYRAM. 



TU13 SI X BriLIlINl 



business to retire from the active iiuisiral ranks, thoup;h he is still 
one of the board of directors of the Detroit Musical Society. Mr. 
Fayram is a member c.f Detroit Coniinandery No. 1, Knights Temp- 
lar, and Michigan Sovereign Consistory Ancient Accejited Scottish 
Rite JIasons, also of Moslilem Tenijile Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. 

THE SUN. 
Newspapers are like indivi<luals, "some are born gre,%t, some 
achieve greatness and others have greatness thrust iii)on them." 
The iSiitn was not born great, for it started on the fifth day of May, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



125 



1885, on fifty dollars capital; it did not have greatness thrust upon 
it, for it has never had any assistance from outside capitalists, it 
simply achieved its present condition by enterprise and pluck. The 
struggles of this undertaking against moneyed enterprises, and in 
the midst of strong rivalry and opposition, have been such as wouki 
have driven less spirited men than its j^roprietors from the field in 
despair, but tlie Sun, in its onward pathway, was not to be eclipsed, 
and is now in the zenith of its prosperity. On March 10, 1890, the 
Evening Siin, a six column four page paper, was started on its Jady 
rounds and was a signal success from tlie start, it being tlie official 
paper of the city. The Sunday Morning Sun and The Illustrated 
Sun are sharing with the Evening Sun a similar success. The estab- 
lishment now employs between eighty and ninety hands, which 
staff will be largely increased in the near future, when their build- 
ing is completely fitted and equipped. Their present weekly outlay 
of expense averages about $1,800, and no money or labor is being 
spared to render their facilities equal in every respect to any similar 
establishment outside of the largest cities. The proprietors of the 
Sun have judiciously chosen a most commanding site for their 
location, at 108 Woodward avenue, it being the first and only news- 
paper office ever situated on that important public thoroughfare, 
Detroifs leading business avenue, and when all tlie improvements 
are completed it will be an ornament to that portion of the city. 
The Sun building comprises four stories and a basement. Starting 
from the basement, where the massive engines are located, the 
entire structure will be lighted with electricity, manufactured by 
the company's own electric plant. A Bullock folding and perfect- 
ing press prints the various editions from the web with electric 
speed. On the second floor is the public reading room, furnished 
with easy chairs, lounges, reading desks, etc., where complete files 
of the leading periodicals, books and stationery, may be found for 
the visitors convenience and comfort. The newspaper files are the 
most complete in America, embracing all the leading papers of the 
country. The first floor containing tlie finest of counting rooms, 
equaling that of any city bank. The furniture of this room cost 
over .fo.OOO. The room is finished in solid cherry with crystal plate 
glass, and oxydized bronze work. It contains, first the office of 
T. K. Hunt; next is the advertising counter of very elaborate design, 
next the cashier's desk caged by bronze work and plate glass, then 
follows the foreign agency and the city agency departments under 
the supervision of R. S. Shenston, then the subscription, advertising, 






T. K. HUNT. 



L. 8. ROGERS. 

book-keepers' and general accountants' offices; opposite is D. P. 

McKay's office, then that of Malcolm C. Marr general superinten- 

dant, advertising solicitors', the toilet and general supply rooms 

complete the arrangement of this floor. The elevator ascends from 

the basement to the top story, where the composing and editorial 

rooms are located, where abundant light is furnished by sky-lights. 

rendering them among the most commodious and comfortable 

known. The front of the Sun building, jjainted porcelain white. 

with appropriate signs and ornamental electric lights, forming 

letters for evening illumination, presents a fine appearance to the 

passer-by. Mr. McKay, the senior partner, was twelve years in the 

business department of the Buffalo Courier, and afterwards reporter 

for the Detroit Evening Journal, and is the riglit man in the right 

place in the office of tlie Sun. Mr. Hunt, the prime moving factor 

of the Sun establishment, is a graduate of Upjier Canada College of 

Toronto, and is a man of great personal magnetism, of energetic 

disposition, and possesses the attractive make-up of a thorough and 

genial business gentleman; he is a ready and poignant writer, and 

much of the prosperity of the various editions of the Sun is due to 

his devotion to the interests of the company. The proprietors of 

the Sun give much credit to the able superintendence of tlieir 

mechanical department and press rooms, which are looked after by 

Mr. Henry Pool, who has entire charge of the basement of the Sun 

building. 

THE HERALD OF COMMERCE. 

Tliis paper is the oflicial organ of the various commercial 
organizations in Detroit, and is devoted to the interests of trades- 
men and manufacturers generally, and is particularly an advocate 
of Detroit as a commercial centre. Indeijendent in all things, it is 
the organ of no sect or party, and is not owned or controlled by 
any wholesale or manufacturing concern, but is published in the 
general interests of its constituents. Filling, as it does, these 
important requirements, it could not be otherwise than successful 
and popular, and during its five years of publication there has been 
a steadily increasing gain in its circulation, and it has now attained 
a high position among 2.), 000 retailers tliroughout Michigan, Ohio 
and Indiana. The Detroit Lerald of Commerce is a handsome four- 
column, sixteen p ge paper, containing among its various depart- 
ments special columns of great interest to dealers in dry goods, 
groceries, hardware, tobacco, etc., which, with its pithy "trade 
marks " form a valuable encyclopedia of reference, covering every 



126 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



town in the States above named. Altogether it is a commercial 
record tliat no manufacturer or dealer can afford to do without, 
while its general miscellany comprises much to in-truct and enter- 
tain the general reader. T}ie Detroit Herald of Commerce is 
published every Wednesday at 18 Butterfield Building, 43 and 44 
Larned street, west. Mr. L. S. Rogers, the proprietor and managing 
editor, is a gentleman well known among the journalistic frater- 
nity, having been connected with various successful publishing 
enterprises. For three years lie traveled for the Associateil Press in 
nearly every State in the Union and the Canadian Provinces. He 
is a native of JIassachusetts, and received his education in the 
classical schools of that State. AVith his usual business enterprise 
Mr. Rogers has made a new feature in trade jovirnals, that of adopt- 
ing an original humorous department in the llcriilil, which is 



description, and include a five-story and basement building, at 
Larned and Shelby streets, designed and constructed especially to 
meet incident reipiirements, 80x100 feet in dimensions, with an 
annex 25x80 feet, with a full equii>ment of machinery and appli- 
ances. A force of from 300 to 3o0 hands is given constant employ- 
ment. The business involves chromo and commercial lithography 
in all its branches, from the largest theatrical bill to the finest class 
of office stationery, and the work accomplished in artistic essentials 
will compare witli any executions in the line anywhere. The best 
talent is laid under contribution, and tlie ambition of the company 
to produce the highest types of excellence is constantly exercised. 
The Calvert Lithograi>hing and Engraving Company iiave through- 
out tlieir existence succeeded in creating some of the best and most 
commendable achievements known to the art, and are recognized 




conducted by an old and versatile writer, whose quaint sayings, 
humorous pai'agraphs and jioetic hits have for many years gone the 
rounds of the leading literary journals in the United States and 
Canada under tho 7ioM depluina of "O. P. Deldoc," and which fea- 
ture will brighten the homes as well as the ofticis and factories of 
the Herald's many readers. The subscription price of the Herald is 
$1.00 per year. 

LITHOGRAPHERS. 

CALVERT LITIIOGKAPIIING AXU ENtiHAVINO COMPANY. 
This industry, among tlie most prominent and distinguished of 
its character in the country, was established as the firm of Calvert 
& Company, in 18G1, and incorporated with its present title in ISGT. 
The facilities of tho business are of the best and most modern 



CALVKRT LITHOGRAPHING AND ENGRAVING COMPANY. 

as amoni; the leaders in their line, 



The company have branches in 
the principal cities of the United States, and keep a large corps of 
traveling salesmen on the road. 



FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE. 
Nearly evei-yone is interested in fire insurance, at least to the 
extent of jiaying premiums for inilemnity against possible loss, and 
yet comi)aratively few are aware of tlie magnitude and steady 
growth of tlie business in the State of Michigan, nor what i>ropor- 
tion of the busine=s is done by Michigan companies, and what by 
companies of other States and countries. Of the 145 stock com- 
panies doing business in the State but three are Michigan companies, 
two of these being located in Detroit and tho third one in Grand 
Rapids. Of the 143 companies admitted to do business in the State 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE 



127 



thirty are companies of foreign countries, twenty-three being 
English, two Scotch, three German and two Canadian companies, 
the other 113 are companies of other States in this country. All 
fire insurance companies, before they can gain lawful admission to 
do business in this State, must submit a sworn statement of their 
financial affairs, sliovving their assets, liabilities, etc. to our State 
Commissioner of Insurance, at Lansing, who, if he finds their 
financial conditions sound, a license is granted by him to such com- 
panies, permitting them to do business in the State for one year. If 
such companies desire to continue doing business in tlie State they 
must make out new financial statements annually, showing a sound 
condition and obtain new license. If tlie capital of any stock com- 
pany becomes impaired beyond a prescribed limit, such company is 
not regarded safe and sound and no license is granted by our State 
authorities. Tlie State has farther provided for the secm-ity of its 
people against an inequitable contract of insurance, by prescribing 
a standard form of policy which all stock companies authorized to 
do business in the State must adopt. All of the stock fire and fire 
and marine insurance companies admitted to do business in Michi- 
gan for several years have paid their losses and such as have retired 
from business have provided for the protection of their policy 
holders by reinsuring tlieir risks in other companies, and policy 
holders who are insured in stock companies that are duly admitted 
to do business in the State may have every confidence that their 
indemnity against loss is and will be amply provided for. 
During the twenty years, from 1870 to 1889 inclusive, the amount 
of premiums paid in Michigan for insurance in stock fire and 
marine insurance companies, as reported to the State authorities, 
is as follows, viz.: 

Amount of premii.uiis on Michigan business 151,996,970 89 

Amount of losses paid on Michigan business 28,607,936 87 

Excess of premiums paid over losses 23,389,034 02 

Allowing thirty-five per cent, of premiums for ex- 
penses 18,198,939 81 

Leaves for the payment of dividends the sum of 5,190,091 21 

In addition there is an income from interest and dividends on 
stocks, bonds, rents, mortgages, etc., accruing to the insurance 
companies. The aggregate amount of capital of the three Michigan 
stock companies is !|9.~0,000; their assets are $2,186,976, and their 
net surplus over all liabilities, including capital, is $734,767; their 
premium receipts during tlie year ending December 31, 1890, on 
Michigan business, were $360,453, and they incurred losses amount- 
ing to $175,037, showing a difference between premiums received 
and losses incurred of $185,416; their receipts for interest, rents and 
other sources amount to about $130,000 in round numbers, in 
addition to their premiums. In 1889 the aggregate receipts of the 
three Michigan stock companies for premiums were $730,184.48; 
their receipts for interest on mortgages, bonds, etc., were 
$125,699.06; total, 855,883.54. The dividend paid in the stock of 
these three companies in 1889 amounted to $79,000, and they paid 
losses amounting to $454,179. Their Michigan business in 1889 was 
as follows: Premiums received, $352,903; losses incurred, $176,866; 
gain in premium receipts in 1890 over 1889, $10,551; decrease in 
losses incurred in 1890, as connx-ired with 1889, $1,839. The aggre- 
gate capital of the other 143 stock companies doing business in this 
State, allowing .$200,000 each for the thirty foreign companies, is 
$58,960,000, and tlieir business was so well managed that they paid 
their stockholders dividends in 1889, amounting to $5,703,488, or an 
average of 9.69-100 per cent, on their capital. These companies, in 
their Michigan business last year (1890), collected $3,641,036 for 
premiums and incurred losses, amounting to $3,396,353, showing an 
excess of premiums received over losses incurred of $1,344,074. 
Sixteen of the stock fire and marine insurance companies doing 
business in Michigan during 1890 incurred losses in excess of their 
premium receipts, and seventeen other stock companies were heavy 
losers. Twelve of the thirty-three companies referred to were 
foreign companies. The average ratio of losses incurred to premi- 
ums received by fire and marine stock insurance companies on their 
Michigan business, during twenty years, ending December 31, 1889, 
was fifty-five per cent. The average ratio of losses incurred to 
premiums received by such companies on their Michigan business 
in 1889 was forty-three per cent., and in 1890 it was sixty-one per 
cent. The ratio of losses for the three Michigan stock companies in 



1890 on their Michigan business was forty-eight and a lialf per cent. 
The ratio of losses by the stock companies of other States on their 
Michigan business in 1890 was fifty-nine per cent. The ratio of 
losses by foreign companies on their Michigan business during the 
same period was seventy-one per cent. The mutual fire and marine 
insurance companies of olher States, authorized to do business in 
this State, show a gain during 1890 on their premiums over losses 
on their Michigan business of .$3,410, and a loss on their marine 
business of $8,328, or a net loss on tlieir total business in Michigan 
of .$5,912. 

DETROIT FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. 
James J. Clark, entered the North Western Insurance Com- 
pany, at Oswego, New York, when a boy in 1852, and arose to the 
position of secretary of that company. In the winter of 1865 he 
left them to take a position in the Harmony Fire and Marine Insur- 
ance Company, New York, and from there he went to the Inland 
Marine department of the Home Insurance Company in New York, 
from thence he came to Detroit in the Spring of 1808 to take the 
Secretaryship of the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, 
which then had a capital of $150,000, and a net surplus of $45,474, 




^•-v 





JAMES J. CLABK. 

which was increased by its business to a net surplus of $65,446 in 
January 1871. In the Fall of 1871 its whole capital and surplus 
were wiped out by the Chicago fire and the fires in Michigan at the 
same time, in which the net losses of the company in three days 
amounted to about $300,000. The stockholders at once paid in 
again the whole $150,000 capital, and paid all losses as fast as 
adjusted, and since that time the company has had almost unin- 
terupted jirosperity, paj'ing a regular semi-annual dividend of five 
per cent, and from its earnings increasing its capital from the bare 
$150,000 in 1870, until in February 1891 it was made $400,000 with a 
net surplus of $498,410. The company has never sought to do an 
immense business, but has been conservative in both its Fire and 
Marine brandies, and has thus been able to show a healthy and 
strong growth with but few, if any, paralells in the history of 
insurance companies in this countrj\ Mr. Caleb VanHusan was 
elected the first president of the company, and held the office until 
his death in 1884, when William A. Butler was elected to succeed 
him. Mr. Butler filled the office until his death in May of the 
present year, when William xV. Morse was elected president, J. J 
Clark, vice-iiresideut, C. L. Andrews, secretary and A. H. 



128 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



. 0TS,4«2.14 


273,829.45 


. ra2,TST.19 


300.3.58 70 


. 7:B,931 do . . . 


301,736 68 


. 7%,o2r.i8 


a'>l,228.4a 


. 857..J73 81 


413,993.06 


. 8Br,S!M.K7 


3W,490 M 


. 9*7,749.05 


438,775 71 


. 973,100 as . ... 


477,787.81 



McDonoU, Assistant Secretary. The following figures taken from 
the annual statements of the company to the State Insurance 
Department, evince its capable management. 

Date. Cash Capital. Assets. Net Surplus. 

January 1, 1S07, SUM.OOJ SM3.744..32 5.31, '^.67 

Mix 'IW.l 00 •«3,434.72 45,474.72 

IfWO 150,000 224,750 .>4 41,107.10 

1870 J50.000 2til,212(U 64.040.32 

1871 150,000 271,842.20 65,410.22 

1872 150,000 273,503,:» 1,0.35.40 

" 187.3, 1.50,000 267,818.02 40,.368.00 

1874 150,000 316.«I508 58,914.02 

1875 155,000 3yj,000.34 152,04121 

1870 130,00) 451.9.59.50 218,23897 

" 1877 *2.50,000 483,1.3.398 163,968 18 

" 1878 230.C00 501,927.86 185,22190 

1879 250,(100 517,329.51 20a,75« 01 

1880 250,000 547,20:i.43 2«,695,83 

1881, 250,0.H) 682,779 08 282,2:M.42 

1882 'SOO.OOO e20.9.5-1.57 22^,519 15 

138.3 SOO.OIX) . . ' 

" 1884 300,000 

1885 300,0 

188li 800,000 

" 1Sk7 300,000 

" 1S88 •:)30.000 

'• 1889 350,00) 

" 18i», a50.(X)0 

♦January 1, 18(;8, Capital increased to 815(1,000 
• '■ 1, 187.', " " ■• 250,000 
»Feb'ry 1-5, 18SI, " •' ■• 300 IKK) 
♦April 3', IKS?, ■' •■ ■• 33 1,000 
Losses paid since organization 2,391,358.09 

William A. Butler, who died May G, 1891, was born in Deposit, 
New York in 1813, ami passed the days of his boyhood on a farm. 
When 1-4 years old he left home to begin his business career, and at 
the age of 23, he arrived in Detroit wliere he resided continuou.sly 
up to the thne of his death. His first venture was in mercantile 
pursuits until 1S4T when he engaged in tlie work of his life, that of 
the banking business, first as a partner with the late A. H. Dey. 
Witlulrawing from that in a short time, he established a banking 
office of his own, which was succeed in 1870 by the Mechanics' 
Bank of which he remained president until his death, he having 
been longer in that pursuit than any other resident of Detroit, and 
was considered one of Detroit's most successful and enterprising 
financiers. In 18G6 the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Com- 
pany was organized and Mr. Butler became a leading stockholder 
and soon attained a high position in its management. He was 
elected president of the company after the death of its former presi- 
dent, Caleb Van Husan, and continued to hold that office while he 
lived, and to his remarkable executive ability, much of the success 
of that company is due. Mr. Butler was also an original stock 








f\ 


L 




N 

f 



WILI.l.VM A. liUTI.Klt. 



GEOKGE \V. CHANDLER, 

holder of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, whose organization 
he assisted in 1807, and with which he was prominently identified 
during his life, and upon the death of President Farrand, April 3, 
1891, was elected from the vice-presidency to the office of president. 
Mr. Butler was not a politician although he 5vas a Republican in 
sentiment. He attended the First Congregational church and was 
influential in its prosperity; he was one of the heaviest holders of 
real estate in Detroit, and was characterized by strict integiity in all 
hisdeahngs. Asa citizen hewas highly esteemed and his departure is 
a loss severely felt by all who knew him. ]Mr. Butler left a widow 
and tliree sons, E. II., W. A., Jr., and Fred E. Butler, who were 
associated with him in business. He had been marrie<l for fifty-two 
years and his own death was the first occurring in his family during 
that period. 

GEORGE W. CHANDLER. 

Geo. W. Chandler, general insurance agent, rooms 3 and 3 
Merrill Block, was born at Livonia Centre, Livingston County, N. 
Y., February 7, 183.5, and removed witli his parents to Buffalo, N. 
Y,, when but five years old. Here he atten<led scliool until his 
tenth year, when his parents came to Jlichigan. establishing them- 
selves at Howell, 5vhere his education was comi)li'ted. At the age 
of fifteen he became clerk in a general store, and in ls."),i he, with 
Mr. Wm. L. Carlysle, opened a general store at Fowlerville, IMich., 
which was successfully conducted up to 18o7, when, his father 
dying, he sold out his interests and returned to the family home- 
stead, of which he took charge until 1860, when he engaged as clerk 
with J. C. Bailey & Company, in a general store at Lansing, Mich. 
August, 1801, he enlisted in the Eiglith Michigan Infantry. His 
war record is contained in a book entitled, "Michigan in the War,"' 
by Genera'. John Robertson, as follows: '" Entered service August 12, 
1801, as Sergeant Company P>, Eightli Infantry; Second Lieutenant 
April 13, 1802; First Lieutenant September 1. 18G2; Captain and 
Commissary of Subsistance L'nited States Volunteers, April 20, 
1804; Brevet Major United States Volunteers, March 13, 1865, for 
meritorious service in subsistance de|)artment during the war; 
mustered out December 27, 1800, and honorably discharged." 
Returning to Hovs'ell he settled up his fatliers estate, his mother 
being dead. October 1, 1807, lie went to Lansin.g, where, from that 
time up to 1870 he acted as assistant se<'retaiy of the Michigan State 
Fire Insurance Company. He was, in 1871, ap|H)inted agent for 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



129 



Michigan of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, of Hartford, 
Connecticut, which he still retains. January 1, 1882, he established 
himself in Detroit. He has a suite of offices in the Merrill Block. 
He represents the following companies: JEtna, of Hartford, Con- 
necticut; Hartford Fire, of Hartford, Connecticut; California, of 
San Francisco, California; New York Underwriters; German, Free- 
port, Illinois; Liberty Fire, of New York; New Hampshire, of 
Manchester, New Hampshire; Oakland Home, California — fire. 
Travelers, of Hartford, Connecticut— accident, and general agent 
for Michigan of the New York Plate Glass Insurance Company. 
He oiierates the oldest agency in Detroit, its foundation dating 
from 1836. He is prominently identified with the Loj'al Legion of 
the United States, being the Recorder of the Michigan Coui- 
mandery. From May, 1881, to May, 1882, he served as Grand 
Commander of the Knights Templar of Michigan. Mr. Chandler is 
hon homie and a fitting representative of the numerous interests 
which he faithfully and successfully conducts. 

THE MICHIGAN FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. 

The Slichigan Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Detroit, 
ranks among the younger of the fire insurance companies of this 
country, having just completed its first decade, but it is rapidly 
coming to the front as one of the strong ones.- It commenced busi- 
ness in March, 1881, and from that date the increase in assets and 
net surjjlus has been steady and continuous each year, with the 
exception of 1887. Its officers are D. Whitney, Jr., president; M. 
W. O'Brien, treasurer; D. M. Ferry, vice-president; Eugene Har- 
beck, secretary; E. J. Booth, assistant secretary. The first annual 
report contained the record of ten months only, and at that time the 
company had assets of $313,244, and a net surjilus of $1,377. The 
progress eacli year from that time on is shown by the following 
comparative table: 

Year. Assets. Net Surplus. Premiums. 

1881 $313,-244 $ 1,377 J 82,625 

168S 248,444 15,048 73,126 

1883 287,608 35,142 79,224 

1884 315,3.51 41,035 118,939 

1885 346,228 53,796 1:37,808 

1886 366,602 64,073 161,770 

1887 362,547 43,209 18:3,690 

1888 »715,451 13:3,880 289,615 

1889 735,115 114,746 388,214 

1890 822,891 160,481 480,078 

* Capital stock inci-eased to $400,000. 

The gains for the year 1890 were in assets |87,776, in net surplus 
$45,635, and in premium income $91,864. The total income for 1890 was 





EUGENE HAEBECK 



ANDREW P. COULTER. 

$525,969, as compared with $434,495 the preceedingyear, and the total 
expenditure $447,068, including an 8 per cent, dividend. Since its or- 
ganization the company has received in ijremiums .$2,200,150, and paid 
out upwards of $1,000,000 for losses. The company's losses incurred 
last year amounted to $331,299— a ratio of a trifle over 48 per cent, of 
the premiums received. As the percentage of losses incurred to 
premium receipts of all the companies doing business in Michigan 
during the past ten years was 56 per cent., the Michigan was cer- 
tainly very successful during the year. The management of this 
company is both progressive and conservative, and while it mani- 
fests a commendable push for business, it does so with a caution 
which insures an excellent and profitable class of risks. This added 
to a careful financial policy has enabled the management to build 
up a strong company and at the same time make a good profit for 
the stockholders. 

Eugene Harbeck, secretary of the Michigan Fire and Marine 
Insurance Company, was born at Batavia, New York, in 1853, and 
received his education at the High School at Battle Creek, Michigan. 
In 1870 he went into an insurance and real estate office, remaining 
with one employer nine years In 1881 he became special agent 
for the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company, succeeding E. 
C. Preston, who resigned to become secretary of the Michigan Fire 
and Marine Insurance Company, then just organized. In 1883 Mr. 
Harbeck became State agent for the Phoenix Insurance Company of 
New York, which office he resigned in November 1887, to become 
secretary of the Michigan Fire and Marine Company, a position 
rendered vacant by reason of the sudden death of Mr. Preston. 
Since the date of Mr. Ihirbeck's connection with the company, its 
affairs have been in a highly prosperous and satisfactory condition, 
the income having increased from $200,000 in 1887, to over $500,000 
in 1890. There has been a handsome gain in assets, the surplus has 
largely increased and regular dividends to stockholders of the com- 
pany have been paid. Mr. Harbeck devotes his entire time and 
energies to the interests of this organization and his valuable 
services have contributed much towards its present prosperity. 

DETROIT MANU.^ACTURERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. 
Andrew P. Coulter, Secretary of the Detroit Manufacturers' 
Mutual Fire Insurance Comijany, was born in Whitby, Ontario, in 
1839, came to the United States in 1806, and settled in Hokah, Min- 
nesota, where he was employed as book-keeper for the car and ma- 



19] 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMHRCE. 



chine shops of the Southern Minnesota railroad, and was afterwards 
made station and express agent at Kusliford, Minnesota. In IsflO lie 
was apiKjinted superintendent of the Western Division of the road. 
On account of asthmatic trouhle lie removed to Colorado and subse- 
quently settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where ho conducted a 
local fire insurance agency, then removed to Jl'.iskegon, where he 
continued for three years. He then disposed of his agency and was 
ajipointed special agent for the New York City Fire Insurance Com- 
pany and subsequently acted in the same capacity for the Standard 
of England, and two years later for the Home, of California. His 
field was very extensive, including all the Northwestern states. 
The information accjuired at this tiiiu- has piMvcd very heneficial to 
the Detroit JIanufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 
1^8.") he was offered special inducemenls to take charge of the office 
of the JIutual Fire Association of Chicago where he accpiired a 
thorough knowledge of the mutual fire insurance business. Believ- 
ing that this plan of insurance, if properly conducted is the correct 
theoiy, in 1887 he came to Detroit and commenced the organization 
of the Det roit Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Conijiany, with 
such men as N. G. "Williams, D. D. Thorp and George C. Wetherbee, 
of Detroit, J. W. French, of Three Rivers, and other influential 
men throughout the state as incor])oi"ators. The comjiany secured 
its charter June 10, 1!S.S7, and iiiiiiiecli.itely commenced business 
with the following officers, who still hold the same i)Osition. N. G. 
Williams, President; J. W. French, vice-President; D. D. Tliorii, 
Treasurer; A. P. Coulter, Secretary. The conijiany is authorized to 
write manufacturing establishments of all kinds and their products, 
including elevators, grain, etc., and can accept risks anywhere in 
the United States. The business is strictly mutual and the intention 
is to provide its members with insurance at actual cost. The com- 
pany has paid about $100,000 in lo.sses since its organization. It is 
conservatively and economically managed, enjoys the confidence of 
its members and is well regarded in insurance circles. 
HOMER McGRAW. 
Was born in New Baltimore, Michigan, January 22, 1856. His 
father, Richard McGraw, having for several years conducted a 
general store at New Baltimore, disposed of his store fi>r a farm in 
Levonia township, where he moved wiili Ins family. Upon this 
farm Homer passed his boyhood. His education was begun in a 
district school, near the farm. When he was fifteen years of age 
his father died. Soon after, with his iiiothcr and younger brother. 





HOMEE MCGEAW. 



GEORGE. W. PARTRIDGE. 

he went to live at Pl3-mouth, Michigan; here he attended the Union 
School, and during the vacations worked for D. R. Penny in a 
grocery and crockerj* store. In the absence of Mr. Penny he had 
full charge of the store. Pn 1876, at the age of twenty, Mr. McGraw 
came to Detroit to take charge of his uncle's (Thos. McGraw) wool 
lofts. At the same time he attended the night school of Brj-ant & 
Stratton's Business College. He remained in this jiosition three 
years and then went into Thos. McGraw's office. In 1880 Jlr. 
McGraw made a contract with the Globe Tobacco Company to sell 
the entire output of their Windsor branch through the Dominion of 
Canada. During the following three years lie traveled Ihrougli 
Canada, visiting all the principal cities, going as far as Halifax, 
Nova Scotia, and the Prince Edward Islands. In 188-4 he severed 
his connection with the Globe Tobacco Company and entered into a 
co-partnership with his brother, W. T. McGraw; the firm being 
known as the Detroit Tobacco Company. They engaged ia a 
tobacco business and had their goods manufactured under their 
own special bnuids. Mr. McGraw finding the close confinement of 
this business was undermining his health, disposed of his interest to 
his brother and retired from business for a time. He then became 
interested again with Mr. Thos. McGraw, taking charge of the 
McGraw building. In 1889 Mr. McGraw establishislied, in connec- 
tion with his other business, a fire and marine insurance agency. 
He i J recognized as a most prudent underwriter and fully conver- 
sant with every detail of firo and marine insurance. In politics Mr. 
McGraw is independent, but usually acts and votes with the 
Republican party. He is a member of the Jlichigan Club, and of 
the Protestant Episcoiial Churcli. In 1884 Jlr. McGraw married 
Miss Anna Anthony, only daughter of the late B. M. Anthony, who 
was prominently connected with the Michigan Stove Company. 
Mr. IMcGraw was obliged from early life to depend entirely upon 
himself. As a business man he is possessed of strict integrity and 
is persistent in every imdertaking. He devotes all the jwwer and 
energy he possesses to achieve success. 

PARTRIDGE & GURNEY, 
Fire and plate glass insurance agents. Room 1, Whitney's Opera 
House Block, 173 Griswold street. This firm is v.ell and f.ivorably 
known in this community, and is carrying on a large and growing 
insurance business. Among their patrons are many of the most 
prominent citizens of Detroit, who avipreciale the jiroiiipt, courteous, 
relialilc and satisfactory methods of doing business for which these 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



131 



agents are noted. Mr. Partridge has been engaged in the insurance 
business in this city for more than six years, and is as tliorouglily 
posted in tlie business as perliaps any otlier agent here, and is able 
to compete with them successfully in securing public favor and 
patronage. Mr. Gurney is a native of St. Joseph County, Jlichigan, 
and came to Detroit in 1884. He was an agent for several fire 
insurance companies before coming to this city, and has been asso- 
ciated with Jlr. Partridge in business since 1SS9. They represent 
strong, reliable, successful and popular companies, among which 
are the Germania, Agricultural, and Buffalo German Fire Insurance 
Companies, and Lloyds Plate Glass Accident Insurance Company, 
of New York, also the German Insurance Company, of Pittsburgh, 
the St. Paul German and Hekla, of St. Paul. Losses are promptly 
adjusted and paid; and no proper effort spared to give general satis- 
faction. Tlie senior member of the Arm, Mr. George W. Partridge, 
was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has been a resident of Michi- 
gan for more than thirty years, and of tliis city since June, 1877. 
He has a thorough business and legal education, prepared for 
college at the Wesleyan Methodist Seminary, of Albion, Michigan, 
and graduate in the law department of Columbia College, class of 
1873. During the early part of the late war he was a clerk in tlie 
Commissary Department in the field; for nearly eiglit years a clerk 
in the Quartermaster General's office, Washington, District Colum- 
bia; for four years clerk for the United States Senate Committee on 
Commerce; law clerk, Department of the Interior, and first assistant 
examiner United States Patent Office; private secretary for tlie late 
Senator Zach Chandler for eight years; special deputy collector of 
customs, port of Detroit, from 1877 to 1883; afterward special 
inspector Treasury Department, and special agent United States 
Census Office; bookkeeper and confidential secretary for Newberry 
and McMillan. He was for several years one of the directors of the 
Detroit Post and the Post and Tribune, also Washington correspond- 
ent of the Detroit Post and other Western newspapers. In 1873 he 
was assistant secretary of the Union Republican Congressional 
Committee, Washington, District Columbia, and in 1878 was 
appointed secretary of the Reijublican State Central Committee of 
Michigan, by Senator Chandler, and afterward held the same i^osi- 
tion imder Governor H. P. Baldwin. 



LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE. 

Our country has, perhaps, no more encouraging or distinctive 
feature than the comparative absence of poverty. We have, it is 
true, like all other countries, the poor always with us, and in large 
cities, enough of them too, but widespread and abject pauperism, 
such as is common in Europe, is happily unknown to us. Many 
causes, of course, contribute to produce tliis desirable condition of 
affairs. It is owing, in part, to the charactir of our population, to 
the more general distribution of wealth, and to the wide extent of 
our territory, which offers to every man who will work for it, a 
home, and a chance to surroiind hnnself with the necessities and 
comforts of life. 

All these factors are recognized as contributing to and establish- 
ing the self-supi)orting character of our iiojiulation, but there is one 
factor whose potency in this direction is too often forgotten, that of 
the institution known as life insurance. Before a nation can 
become thoroughly prosperous its members must lie trained in the 
habits of self-control and frugality, and a means must be found to 
provide for those who cannot provide for themselves, and whose 
inability is attributable to their weakness and not to their miscon- 
duct. Now, both these ends life insurance accomplishes. The man 
whose life is insured, knows that the annual payments must be 
met, and his regard for his fond ones is a sufficient incentive to 
cause him to meet them promptly in order to prevent lapse. It 
may necessitate self-denial; it may oblige him to watch his email 
exjienditures closely, but he gladly makes the sacrifice, and at the 
same time acquires haliits of prudence and economy tliat are of the 
greatest advantage in aiding his success in the walks of life. There 
are thousands of young men in tlie United States to-day who are 
being trained in this school and whose training is giving stability to 
their characters and making them better citizens and better men. 

Few appreciate the magnitude of the work wliicli the institu- 
tion has done in this direction. Many, no doubt, will be surprised 
to learn that the existing companies liave paid policy-liolders since 



tlieir organization over $1,200,000,000 and that for the past forty 
years they have distributed on an average over $30,000,000, and for 
the past ten years over foo, 000,000 per year. No account is taken in 
these figures of the industrial or assessment insurance companies, 
both of which have a large business, and annually distribute 
millions of dollars to beneficiaries. No one can estimate the desti- 
tution and suffering that has thus been prevented. No one can 
measure the good that has been done to the country by this distri- 
bution of property, the reduction of poverty, and the chances given 
to many young people to prepare themselves for the duties of 
citizensliip. 

In view of these facts it is gratifying to know that the advan- 
tages of life insurance are becoming every year more thoroughly 
appreciated; tliat nearl}' all of the life companies show an increased 
business as each year is ended, and that life insurance,|emphasizing, 
as it does, a better side of a man's life, unites on a common basis 
the princijiles of business with benevolence. 

Time was when a policy of .flO.OOO, payable at the death of the 
insured, was all tliat any company would assume, now there are 
several companies that will issue $50,000 on one life and a few who 




OSCAR R. LOOKER. 

will hazard $100,000 in one iiolicy. Many of the gentlemen who 
insure for tliese large sums combine in these insurances the ele- 
ments of investment and protection or benevolence. Tliey notice 
from time to time how disasterous it is to a large concern or busi- 
ness enterprise when the manager or founder is carried away 
suddenly, in a great many cases leaving the business in jeopardy. 
On this account many of the heavy insurers carry their policies in 
order tliat the necessary support may be given their business and 
thus save the concern. 

Life insurance business in Michigan does not vary from the 
business in other states; the same industry and enterprise which has 
characterized the citizens of older states has not been lacking in 
Michigan. In 1870 the various life insurance companies doing busi- 
ness in this state were interested in the lives of our citizens on tlieir 
policies of life insurance amounting to $o9,498,000.00. At the close 
of 1890 (twenty j'ears after,) there was in force jjolicies representing 
$92,437,000.00. If to these figures, which are confined to the busi- 
ness of the regular life companies only, there is added the policies 
or certificates issued on the lives of our citizens by as'jjssment and 
benevolent societies, tlie total auiout of life insurance at risk in this 
state would reach upwards of $150,000,000. 



^3^ 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



In the year 1807 Tlie Jlidiigan JIutual Life, tlie first regular 
life insurance company in the state, was organized and incorpo- 
rated. Tliia companj^ is still doing business and making satisfac- 
tory progress. Since this date tliere have been varioiis assessment 
societies or companies that have had a "musliroom" existence, 
either going out of business altogotlier or merging their business 
into thrA of some other concern. One of the most ably managed 
assessment companies, which fur years did Inisiness as The Western 
Union Jhitual Life, in 1891 transferred ils business to anutlier asso- 
ciation from the East. Another assessment society known as the 
Imperial Life Insurance Society transferred its business in 1880 to 
what is now known as the Imperial Life Insurance Cnmpany, dating 
its organization from the time of the transfer in July, 1886. There 
are but two regular old line companies deriving their corporate 
existence from the State of Michigan, bat nearly all the regular 
companies from other States have agencies in Detroit or some other 
city in the State, and all apjiear to be doing a satisfactory business. 

MICHIGAN ilUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. 
Samuel R. Mumford, vice-president; 0. R. Looker, secretaryr 
H. F. Frede, assistant secretary; (1. AV. Sandeis, actuary; southwest 
corner of Jefferson avenue and Ciriswold street. This progressive 
and solid organization dates from tlie year 1SG7, when it was incor- 
porated, with John J. Bagley as i)resident, afterward Governor of 
Michigan; he was succeeded by Jacob S. Farrand, who continued 
as president up to Ajiril, 1891. The Company was originally incor- 
lioraled in 1807 with a capital of $ir)0,000, of which but $15,000 was 
paid in, but in 1809, in Older to more fully carry out its plans for 
providing a perfectly secure [jrincijile of life insurance in competi- 
tion with the eastern companies and at the same time encourage 
western industries through the retention of monies in home in- 
vestments, the company made a deposit of .^100,000 with the treas- 
urer of the state of Micliigan, and tlie ciipital stock was increased 
to $2r)0,000, all of which was fully subscrilied and paid in. Agencies 
were established in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, and the busi- 
ness of the company was thus largely extended. Ever since its 
organization the company has steadily grown and prospered, ex- 
emplifying in a prominent manner the abilities of its executive 
officers as shown by tlieir conservative and enterprising conduct of 
its affairs. In the following tabulated statement of the company's 
business are witnessed the safe acnnnulation and constant increase 





JOHN H. KOBI.NSO.V. 



of its assets and the steady rise of its surplus and insurance in force: 



Date. 
January 1, 1SS4. 

ISSn, 
" ISSIl, 

ItW, 
1888, 
188!), 
ISIH, 
1801, 



Tns. iu Force. Assets. Surplus. 

Sln..-,Tn.'*in.lll1 $l,2;il,878.00 jssi.iin.iio 

I1,;-,S.1"4.(W l,3 0,8T(i.(0 -IM.ISSIX) 

1;1,I1SS.^'-JO.OO 1,537,5(13.00 2!lli,0:i-).ll0 

li;,,-|5ll,4n.(ID 1,765,333.00 3I'.'),2.'5 00 

18.11,-8, l.-.S.OCP , 1,996,189.(10 312,378.00 

Ili,il!l'.l.3sil.iK) 2,891,231.00 ;M7.'.lia00 

X'0,37.i,(W6.1K) 2,613,313.01 3il7.9U0.(X) 

2;.>,823,730.00 3,007,553.13 4.39,550 95 



HERMAN F. FliHOE. 



These figures incontestibly evidence the careful, prudent and 
systematic management and the progressive nature of the company 
which from small beginnings has culminated in one of the strong- 
est and most conservative institutions of ils character in existence 
Its business during 1800 amounted to over if!.), 000,000 of new insur- 
ance, and in 1891 will probably write over $0,000,000. Tlie com- 
pany's oilicers and directors are recognized as among Detroit's most 
prominent and influential citizens, and have been ever foremost in 
promoting and encouraging the city's interests. Mr. O. R. Looker, 
the secretary, has been associated with the Michigan Mutual since 
1871, first as clerk, then bookkeeper, chief clerk, cashier, and since 
1883 in his present capacity as the company's executive officer. 
Tlie company deservedly takes high rank- among life insiu'ance 
organizations, and is prepared to offer the best forms of policies, 
consistent with character of risks concerning which it maintains 
most scrui)ulous and critical identity. 

Oscar R. Looker, the secretary and executive officer of the 
Michigan JIutual Life Insurance C'ompan}-, was l)orn in Columbus, 
Ohio, Juno lU, 1840, but his bojiiood was passed on a farm near 
Columbus. About sixteen years later at the time when the country 
needed men of courage — at the very commencement of the rebellion 
— although legally under the age for enlistment, but physically 
e(iual to the task, he joined the army, and continued in tlie service 
until April, 1865. After the war he became connected in a clerical 
capacity with the Ohio State Bureau of Military Claims, subse- 
quently being engaged in a lawyer's office at Columbus, and in 1869 
removed to Cleveland, connecting himself with the Cleveland office 
of the Berkshire liife Insurance Company. In 1S71 ho removed to 
Detroit and began his first work in the office of the Michigan 
Mutual Life, occupying the position of clerk, later cashier, and in 
1883 succeeded Jlr, John T, Liggett as secretary, and was given 
general charge of the affairs of the company, under the supervision 
of the board of directors. In his social and business relations Mr. 
Looker occupies a high rank in Detroit, being a member of the 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



^33 



several military and Masonic organizations; he is liberal and 
cliaritable, strong in his friendships, and also very popular among 
the company's agents, as evidenced by tlie various valuable tokens 
presented to him by them on several occasions since his appoint- 
ment as secretary, 

Herman F. Frede, assistant secretary of the Michigan Mutual 
Life Insurance Company, was born in Detroit, October 9, 1856, 
receiving his education in the same city. He went into the service 
of the Michigan Mutual, as clerk, in October, 1871, four years after 
the organization of the company. From that day to the present, 
nearly twenty years, he has rendered faithful service in various 
positions, and as a sure result of continued good conduct and ability, 
promotion followed promotion, until the duties of his present 
position are next in importance to those of Mr. O. R. Looker, the 
company's executive officer. Jlr. PYede is genial, sociable and faith- 
ful in all the relations of life. 

John H. Robinson, general agent of the Michigan Mutual Life 
Insurance Company for Michigan, born in Canada, 1861, began 
business as clerk in an insurance office in 1876; in 1879 was 
appointed general agent of the Ontario JIutual Life Insurance Com- 
pany for the counties of Frontenac, Leeds and Grenville, Ontario; 
in 1880 was general agent for the Sun Life Insurance Company, at 
Montreal, with headquarters at the company's office, 164 St. James 
street, Montreal; in 1883 went to Wisconsin under contract with tlie 
Manhattan Life Insurance Company, of New York, as State agent 
for Wisconsin, with office at 108 Grand avenue, Milwaukee; 
remained in Wisconsin until early in 1885, and then moved to 
Betroit to assume a position in the employ of the Michigan Mutual 
Life Insurance Company as one of its special agents in that city. 
Under the civil service ideas, which prevailed in the business of 
that company, Mr. Itobinson advanced step by step during his years 
of service, and has at present an important position in looking after 
the company's agency business in Michigan. His extended life 
insurance experience, covering a period of twelve years, together 
with an ambitious desire to master the details of the business, to 
studiously apply all his energies snd ability in advancing the inter- 
ests of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, and his 
practical knowledge of "field work,'' in all that the words imply, 
renders his services of value to the company. Mr. Robinson is also 
duly admitted in the various State and United States Courts as an 
attorney and solicitor at law. 





c. W. MOORE. 



WILLIAM T. GAGE. 

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. 

C. W. Moore, Manager for Michigan of the New York Life In- 
surance Company, was born at Canterbur}-, New Hampshire, near 
the birth place of the great statesman, Daniel Webster, in 1845. 
His education was received in the schools of his native town, and 
his parents designed to have him instructed for the ministry, but 
his ill liealth preveiiteil the execution of the plan. His first business ex- 
perience was in the dry goods line. In 1803 he engaged in life insurance 
and has since devoted his attention to that business. He was for some 
years the New Hampshire manager of the Phojnix Mutual and 
superintendent of agencies of the same company at Albany, New 
York. In JIarch, 1880, he came to Detroit as manager for Slichigan 
of the New York Life Insurance Company. At that time the agency 
was in bad shape, but Mr. Moore by dint of exemplary enterprise 
and strict attention to details has placed it from the sixth place in 
point of premium income to the first among life insurance corpora- 
tions in the State of Michigan. He is active and zealous in his 
work and takes high rank among the leading life insurance repre- 
sentatives in the country. He is a member of the Michigan Club 
and a thirty-second degree Mason. 

WILLIAM T. GAGE. 
This gentleman enjoys an enviable reputation among the enter- 
prising representative business men of Detroit. Jlr. Gage served his 
country creditably in the war for the Union, and in private life is a 
most estimable citizen. Being of a scholastic turn of mind he 
became early in life a graduate of Dartmouth College, after which 
he taught for several years. He held the position of president in 
the Highland university of Kansas, and later was professor of 
English literature and history in the State university at Lawrence, 
Kansas, and was afterwards principal of the female seminary at 
Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Gage came from Hartford to Detroit 
in 1883, as manager for Michigan of the ^tna Life Insurance Com- 
pany. This position he held for six years, when he resigned to 
accept the general agency of the Northwestern Life Insurance 
Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which position he holds at the 
present time. Mr. Gage has also taken great interest in the Michi- 
gan Life Insurance Association, of which he is president. His office 
is at 25 Whitney Opera House Block, where he exliibits every 
indication of a successful and prosperous business. 



•34 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



f 




DR. A. C. MILLER. 

PREFERRED MASONIC MUTUAL ACCIDENT ASSOCIATION. 
Doctor A. C. Miller was born near Hamilton, Ontario, in 
1839, and his early days were spent on a farm. His father was also 
a native of Canada, and his grandfather on his father's side came 
from Hesse Darmstadt and served as a Hessian soldier. Doctor 
Miller HI his boyhood received a public and private school education 
in Ontario, remaining with his jiarents until after he was 21 years 
old, when he entered the service of the Great Western Railway for 
the period of two years, as special supply station agent and 
other i)Ositions, secured through his social relations and influence 
with Judge Miles O'Reilly of Hamilton, and W. S. Champ, who is 
paymaster on the Great Western Railway. Resigning his railway 
position he entered the study of medicine and practiced his pro- 
fession fourteen years, after which he ab.andonKl practice and 
moved with his family to Ann Arbor to gain the educational advan- 
tages tliere offered to his children, remaining there for six years. He 
then eng.aged with the -Etna Insurance Company, and after eight 
months service was ofliered the management of that company for 
the State of Michigan, which he declined, and went with the New 
York Life Insurance Company, remaining five years as their general 
special agent in Michigan. He was offered the management of that 
company for the State of Tennessee whicli he also declined, and 
moved with his family to Indianai)olis where he did a large business 
for the company for two years, when he was offered the manage- 
ment of the Provident Savings Life Association for the State of 
Michigan by the note<l actuary Sheppard Thomas, president of the 
Association, a position which he accepted, remaining manager for 
over three years, when be resigned in September 1W9, to org.anize 
the Preferred Masonic IMutual Accident Association, with which he 
is engaged at the present time as secretaiy and general manager, 
an office which from his long experience and good general business 
(pialities he fills with marked ability. The Preferred JIasonic 
Mutual Accident Association, as its name implies, is decidedly and 
exclusively confined to members of the JIasonic fraternity, whose 
occupations are such as to be classified in accident insurance terms 
as "Preferred." It numbers among its officers such names as C. J. 
Whitney, president, so pronn'nently identified in financial circles 
ft)r forty years, A. C. Miller, secretary and manager; Frank T. 
Lodge, attorney; C. J. Whitney, J. B. Book, A. C:. Miller, AV. B. 
Willson and G. E. Van Syckle, trustees. Among its large list of 
charter members and constituents, are such men as Hon. James 



McMillan, Hugh McMillan, Gen. R. A. Alger, M. S. Smith, and 
many other well known leading men of Detroit. The Association is 
in a highly i)rosperous condition and owes much of its prosperity to 
the excellent management of Dr. A. C. Sliller, so prominently 
connected with its interests. The offices of the association are in the 
Whitney Opera House block. 

UNION JIUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. 
JlroH A. Holmes, Manager for Michigan and Western Ontario 
of the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Portland, Maine, 
was born at Palermo, New Y'ork, February 10, 18.57, and came to 
Michigan, locating at Ovid, where he received his education. His 
first experience in business was as a telegraph operator and clerk 
for the Detroit, Grand H'.ven and Milwaukee Railroad. In 188.5 he 
went to Ferrysburg as joint agent of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Mil- 
waukee and Chicago and West Michigan Railroads, having charge of 
all freight originating on that line for the Detroit, Grand Haven & 
Milwaukee Railroad. During this connection he became associated 
with the Michigan Jlutual Life Insurance Company of Detroit. In 
1880 he removed to Detroit, and .since that time has been interested 
in various manufacturing and industrial enterprises, and notably as 
president and manager of the Holmes Lumber Company, theOwosso 
Lumber& Coal Company, and other organizations. In 1886 he organ- 
ized the Detroit Building and Loan Association. During ten years Mr. 
Holmes was engaged in the lumber trade, doing the largest wholsale 
business in that relation in the state. Throughout this whole period 
be maintained his life insurance connections. July 1.5, 1890, he was 
ajipointed the manager for Jlichigan and Western Ontario of the 
Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Maine, which he has 
worked up to a high place in the consideration of life insurance 
agencies in the territory represented. Mr. Holmes is a jirominent 
member of the Masonic fraternity having attained the thirty-second 
degree, and is Illustrious Grand Secretary of the Jlichigan council of 
Deliberation Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons; a member 
of the Michigan Athletic Association; the Detroit Fishing and Hunt- 
ing Association, (Rushmere) the Travelers' Club, the Y'. M. C. A. 
and the Knights of Pj'thias. 

NORTHWESTERN MASONIC AID ASSOCIATION. 
Samlt;l Adams, the Detroit manager of the Northwestern 
Masonic Aid Association, was born October 18, 1832, in Cookstown, 
Ireland, and was self educated. He came with his parents to Mon- 




HUGH A. HOLMES. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



133 




SAMUEL ADAMS. 

treal, Canada, in 1847, where Jie was apprenticed to a wire-cloth 
manufacturer, serving four years and eight montlis. He afterward 
came to Detroit, obtaining employment with Wm. Snow, a wire 
manufacturer, which ho continued for five years. In 1857 he 
established a factory for tlie production of wire-cloth and wire 
goods, at 107 Woodward avenue, in which he continued for fourteen 
years. In 18T7 he removed to Spruce street, where, through a 
patent liligation, lie incurred heavy losses. He next became associ- 
ated with the Bainum Manufacturing Company, preserving this 
relation until 1884, when he became the assistant Detroit manager 
of the Nortliwesteru Masonic Aid Association, of Chicago, Illinois, 
in which he has achieved his greatest success. He is a thirty- 
second detrree Mason, and has been a member of Union Lodge No. 
3, F. & A. M., for thirty-four years. He served one term as grand 
master of the Grand Lodge I. O. O. F., of Michigan, and acted for 
two years as grand representative to tlie sovereign grand lodge of 
Odd Fellows, at Baltimore. In the insurance relation in Detroit he 
has accomplished great success, and his management of the North- 
western Masonic Aid Association has been exemplary and consistent. 
In Jlr. Adams' management of the affairs of this association in 
Detroit has resulted a considerable increase of its fortunes. This 
association has a memliership of over 58,000, with insurance in force 
January 1, 1801, of $100,000,000, and a surplus of $339,488.50. The 
office of the Detroit agency is at 88 High street west. 



C 
York. 



officers of the company are: C. C. Wormer, president; Lucian S. 
Moore, vice-president; C. J. O'llara, secretary and treasurer. Geo. 
W, Moore and Eugene Austin are also members of the company, 
Mr. Austin having the superintendence of tlie mechanical and 
engineering departments. He is a thoroughly practical machinist 
and is appreciated by the company as a most reliable expert in its 
mechanical affairs. Mr. Lucian Moore, Mr. C. J. O'llara and Mr. 
Geo. W. Moore, in their relative positions in the organization, are 
equally worthy of sharing the success and prosperity the combina- 
tion has ever enjoyed. The C. C Wormer Machinery Company 
represents about forty of the leading houses in the United States. 
Their specialties are engines, boilers, wood and iron working 
machinery, steam pumps and power connections. They ship goods 
to all parts of Michigan, Oliio and Indiana and a portion of Illinois. 
They also have a large Canadian trade, and ship goods to Califor- 
nia, Tennessee, Washington, Nebarska and Arkansas. From its 
foundation the business has been continually growing and pros- 
perous. The first three months of the present 3'ear (1891) their trade 
increased fifty per cent, over what it was last year for the same 
period of time. Tlie prosperity of the company unquestionably 
owes much of its rapid development to the capable management of 
its president, Mr. C. C. Wormer. 

Charles J. O'Hara, secretary and treasurer of the C. C. 
Wormer lilachinery Company, was born in Toledo, Ohio, May 7, 
1854. At the age of nine he removed with his parents to Cliicago, 
and remained there four years, during which time lie attended tlie 
college of the Christian Brothers. In the fall of 1807 he removed 
with liis parents to Cincinnati, and for several years attended the 
Farmers' College situated at College Hill, a suburb of that city. 
At the age of seventeen, determining upon entering business, he 
connected himself with a prominent Insurance Company of Cincin- 
nati and continued with them for a little over one year. His tastes 
running to manufacturing, he secured a position with the Straub 
Mill Company, manufacturers of flouring mill and feed machinery 
and continued with the comiiany for eleven years. He severed his 
connection with that company to enter business for himself. After 
two years, extra inducements were offered for his return, which 
were accepted, and he continued as manager of that company until 
March 1887, when he removed to Detroit to accept the general 
management of the Eagle Iron Works, continuing as such with that 
company until his resignation, which was tendered in order that he 



HARDWARE, MACHINERY, ETC. 

THE C. C, WORMER 1\IACHINERY COMPANY. 
C. Wormer was born October 26, 1850, at Oswego, New 
..,.^ His parents were Hollanders of the Knickerbocker stock. 
They moved to Detroit when the subject of this sketch was quite 
young. Mr. Wormer was educated in the public schools of this 
city, and after graduating he entered the employ of his father and 
brother as clerk, the firm being then known as G. S. Wormer & 
Son In 1873 he entered into p.artnership with them, the firm con- 
tinuing business as G. S. Wormer & Sons, the father having founded 
the original establishment in 1857, This firm continued untd 1884 
when G. S. Wormer retired from business. On the first day of 
August, 1889, the Michigan Machinery Depot was permanently es- 
tablished at its present location, 55, 57 and 59 Woodbridge street 
west. It is incorporated with a capital stock of $15,000, and the 




C. C. WORMER. 



136 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




CHAULUS J. O'lIARA. 

might be able to give all his time and attention to his ])i-escnt inter- 
ests. He is the son of Charles O'Hara and Elizabeth Knaggs, his 
father for many years being a wholesale merchant in Toledo, Ohio. 
His father was born in London, England and came to this country 
at the age of eigliteen. He was a descendant of one of the oldest 
families of his name in Dublin, Ireland. His mother was a native 
of Detroit, and a daughter of Col. Jan-es W. Knaggs, who was born 
at Detroit when it was but a village. Mr. O'Hara was married 
October, S), ISM!), to Jennie Way Howland, of East Greenwich, 
Rhode Island, sne being a descendant of Generals Green and Knaper 
of revolutionary fame. 

PENBERTIIY INJECTOR COMPANY 
Hon. Seth D. North, president; Charles B. Johnson, vice- 
president; ,S. Olin Johnson, secretary and treasurer; manufacturers 
of the Penberlhy automatic oil cups and injectors, northwest cor- 
ner of Seventh and Abbott streets. This justly celebrated institu- 
tion for the manufacture of the Penberthy automatic oil cups and 
injectors, was established under the present official management in 
the fall of ISSO and is incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000. 
The factory buihling is three stories in height, 54x78 feet in dimen- 
sions, and i-i thoroughly equipped with the latest and most improved 
machinery and appliances, including the Warner and Swasey moni- 
tor lathes and other siiecially adapted devices for securing expedi- 
tion and uniformity in the products. A force of forty skilled hands 
is given constant employment and the annual output aggregates in 
value |100,000. The fame of the Penberthy injectors is almost uni- 
versal. Since their introduction, seme four years ago, 39,000 have 
been sold, a fact which bears the weightiest evidence in their favor. 
The company has succeeded in giving the.se products an identity 
among steam users which at once places them ahead of all similar 
contrivances for intended ])urposes, and acquired for them a sale 
such as few articles of any kind have attained in the same space of 
time. In a test made by Professor Mortimer E. Cooley of the Michi- 
gan University, in connection with other injectors, he made the fol- 
lowing report: '• The next injector tested was the ' Penberthy,' size 
' B', a machine wliich not only worked most easily, being perfectly 
automatic within wide range —but also with a high degree of econ- 
omy, as reference to the tables will sliow, forcing against aconstant 
pressure of sixty-five pounds, and with steam pressure varying from 
45 to 00 pounds. The proportion of water forced to steam used. 



rises Bteadil)*, while the duty or work and the efficiency as a boiler 
feeder undulate. Tlie efficiency of ninety-nine and a half per cent, 
as recorded in the table XIV, being a phenomenal result." The 
great advantages of the ''Jet Pumps" manufactured by this 
company are summed nj) in the following facts of much moment to 
all steam users: They are provided with independent couplings 
separate from the body, and the inner working elements are 
remov.ible and interchangeable. The significance of these features 
is that wliere the parts subject to wear, form a portion of the body, 
as is the case with a large majority of "Jet Pumps," when these 
parts become worn out, the whole pump is valueless, while with the 
"Jet Pumps" of tliis manufacture, not only will the body last for 
an indefinite period, but the tubes can be renewed at any time at 
sliglic cost. As being the only "Jet Pumps" manufactured with 
separate cou])Iings and working parts, their vast superiority can be 
readilj' seen and ajipreciated. The phenomenal and meritorious 
success of the company has been derived tlirough the most critical 
superintendence and direction of every detail of their manufactui-es 
by Mr. S. Olin Johnson, the efficient manager, who has conducted 
the business in an e.xceptionally creditable manner and through 
which their goods have won the highest ecomiums from all who 
have used them. Every single article is fully warranted by 
the company and each and every one is subjected to the most rigid 
inspe<-tion before being allowed to leave the factory. Among the 
great industries of Detroit, none is more deserving of the distinction 
achieved than the Penberthy Injector Com|)any, and to none 
can be ascribed a greater renown as manufacturers. 

FRONTIER IRON AND BRASS WORKS. 
^V. V. Moore, president; Tliomas S. Christie, secretary, treas- 
urer and manager; engineers, founders and valve manufacturers; 
corner Atwater and Chene streets. This important industry wa.s 
estaliiished June 1, 1S85 and incorporated with an authorized capi- 
tal slO(-k of iSir>0,000, and an actual capital of ^100,000. The origi- 
nal jiroprietors were Christie & DeGraff. The business has steadily 
grown in volume to its present proportions of one of the largest of 
its character in the country. The works occupy an area of 200 x 
150 feet and are suitably equipjied with improved machinery and 
appliances for the production of the varied manufactures. Over 
lOOskilled hands are given constant employment and the value of 
the annual output aggregates .$150,000, embracing marine engines, 
hoop machinery, water heaters and ])urifiers, straightway valves 




S. OLIN JOHNSON. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



^11 



and hydrants, the specialties of the products being Weber's patent 
gate valves, AVeber's lubricator, Weber's lawn fountain and "Ward's 
hoop machinery. These goods are not surpassed for durability, 
material and high grade of finish and adaptability to required 
purposes in the country, and a large trade has been secured which 
extends over the Western states and lakes. A superior uial<e of 
engines for ocean steamers has given the Frontier Iron and Brass 
Works a justly merited and generally recognized supremacy in this 
line of manufactures, and places them in the front rank of the most 
notable and distinguished in the world. 

DETROIT COPPER AND BRASS ROLLINa MILLS. 
C. H. Buhl, president; R. W. Gillett, vice-president; L. H. 
Jones, secretary and treasurer. This company was organized in 
1880, and began business in June, 1881, in a building erected at the 
foot of Fourth street, corner of Lamed. The amount of capital 
originallj- paid in was .flOO,000; this sum was soon found to be 
much too small for the demands of the business, and within the first 



and brass and copper tubing, etc. The company are also refiners of 
pig and electro-litic copper from Arizona, Colorado and Montana 
ores. The trade of this company extends tluoughout all portions of 
the United States and Canada. Tlieir facilities for receiving and 
shipping are perfect, and their business has become one of large 
proportions. 

L. H. Jones, secretary, treasurer and business manager of the 
Detroit Copper and Brass Rolling Mills, was born in Detroit in 1856, 
and received his education in the public schools of tliis city, gradu- 
ating from the Barstow school; he afterwards received a commercial 
course at Goldsmith's Business University. Mr. Jones' first import- 
ant business connection was with the Second National Bank of this 
city in 18T3, where he was advanced to the position of collection 
clerk, which position he held until 1877, when he resigned and 
engaged in private enterprises, devoting his time to travel and other 
pursuits until July, 1882, when he joined the company which he 
now represents, acting as bookkeeper and cashier until he was 




DETROIT COPPER AND BRASS ROLLING MILLS. 



year the amount was increased to $300,000; business rapidly 
advancing rendered it necessary to again increase the company's 
capital, wliicli was subsequently done, raising the amount to 
$300,000, which is the present capital emplo}'ed. In 1886 the com- 
pany found their quarters too small to maintain their rapidly 
growing business, and determined to remove to more commodious 
premises, when the present site was chosen; for this purjiose eight 
acres was purchased in the western part of the city, on the line of 
the Wabash railroad, on JIcKinstry avenue, tiieir premises lying 
mainly between the Wabash railroad and the line of the river, upon 
which their present extensive works were erected, and were ready 
for business in the spring of 1888. The dimensions of tlieir main 
building is 480x130 feet, the boiler house is 60x00, the casting shop 
40x80, the copper refining house 60x60, and the office 50x50 feet 
The extensive Ijusiness of tliis company furnislies employment for 
upwards of 200 men the year round. The principal goods manufac- 
tured are of slieet, copper and brass, brass and copper wire, rivets 



promoted to tlie responsible position he wov, holds. For a young 
man Mr. Jones has been signally successful. His active, energetic 
disposition and attentive business methods has 2)eculiarly fitted him 
for the work in which he is engaged, and upon which much of the 
success of the establishment depends. 

AMERICAN HARROW COMPANY. 

As the only manufacturers of agricultural machinery in Detroit, 
and the largest representatives of their class of that industry on tlie 
continent, the American Harrow Company is invested with 
peculiar distinction and inominence. This company was established 
in 1882, and, under the superior management and direction of its 
enterprising and experienced officers, has steadily and surely ad- 
vanced its fortunes to their present highly successful complexion. 
Its ofiicers are D. M. Ferry, president; R. W. Gillett, vice-president; 
W. W. Collier, secretary and treasurer; and O. R. Baldwin, man- 
ager of sales. All of these gentlemen are intimately associated with 



138 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



Detroit's highest commercial and financial interests, and lend to the 
administration of tlie company the most supprior aliilities. The 
company confine their oi)erations to the manufacture of sprin;; toolh 
harrows, cuhivators, seeders and stalk cutters— imi)hMnents which 
are now considered hj' every progres!-ive and scientific farmer indis- 
pcnsahle to success in a>;ricuUural jjursuits, and l)y the use of wliicli 
the soil may be made more productivo and the lial)iUty to faihire of 
crops materially lessened. The fact that the products of the Ameri- 
can Harrow Company, are sokl over the entire continent directly to 
farmers, brings them into immediate contact with agriculturists 
whereby they are enabled readily to imderstand and supply their 
wants in the most saisfactory manner. The company has a 
capital stock invested in the Inisiness of $300,000 and the annual 
output aggregates :f;.')00,000. Some idea of the magnitude of this 
industry may be gained from the fa<'t that 110 men and 200 horses 
are constantly employed on the road in various districts of the 
country supplying the demand, while a large force of mechanics 
and other assistants is necessary in the shops ami offices for the jiro- 
duction and shipment of the implements. A feature of the industry 
worthy of special note is the high quality of material used. The 
wood is carefully selected from the best grades and kept under 




L. II. .lOXES. 

cover till thoroughly seasoned, while the steel is rolled expressly 
for this purpose and every piece oil-tempered and put to the 
severest test before being iierniittcd to leave the shops. The Imild- 
ings are large, well ventilated, scrupulously clean, and with the 
outiloor space cover an area of four acres. A new brick building 
50.\l.~)0 feet, which was found necessary for the accommodation of 
their increasing business, has just been completed. Tlie companj' 
have in deference to the demands of their Canadian trade, in suc- 
cessfid operation, a branch factory at Windsor, Ontario, where 
the implements are made and whence they are distributed to all 
parts of the Dominion. The combined experience of the company's 
active oflh'crs and their accurate knowledge of the wants of farm- 
ers, gained from many years of experienceon the road and the farm, 
together with the honorable, liberal and courteous treatment 
always accorddl their customers, hive won for the American Har- 
row C'om|)aiiy a large and increasing business and an enduring 
fame and jiopularity. 

William W. Collier, secretary and treasurer of the American 
Harrow Company, was born at Battle Creek, Michigan, November 
19, 1850. His education was received at the Highland Military 




WILLIAM W. ((ILLIKR. 

Academy at Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he was 
graduated in 1870. He was engaged in the iron trade for ten years 
and upon the organization of the American Harrow Company be- 
came its secretary and treasurer. 

Orrin R. Baldwin, manager of sales of the American Harrow 
Company, was born at Springboro, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1848 
and was educated at the State Normal School at Edinborough, 
Pennsylvania, subsequently taking a business course at the Stratton 




ORIN R. BALDWIN. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



139 



& Smith Business College at Meadville, Pennsylvania, from which 
he was graduated in 1867. Upon the completion of his education he 
engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Baldwin has had long ex- 
perience in farming and in the management of sales of varied 
industries whose products were adapted to the needs of farmers. He 
became manager of sales of this Company soon after its organi- 
zation and is peculiarly fitted for the position he occupies and in 
which he has acquired a notable and laudable distinction. 

MICHIGAN ELEVATOR AND ENGINE COMPANY. 
J. A. Grosvenor, secretary and general manager of the Michi- 
gan Elevator and Engine Company, was born in the State of New 
York, and came from Boston to Detroit in 1881. He liad been for 
several years in the machinery business in Boston, which he 
resumed on coming to Detroit. He reorganized the Middlebrook 
Elevator Jlanufacturing Company, wliich was in July 18S9 incorpo- 
rated as the Michigan Elevator and Engine Company, with a capital 
of $50,000, and officered as follows: George C. Wetherbee, presi- 
dent; A. G. Boynton, vice-president; Jacob Hull, treasurer; 
J. A. Grosvenor, secretary and general manager, and R. 
W. Gardner, assistant secretary and treasurer. The manu- 





JOHN TRIX. 

rated in 188G and of which lie is the president. Since the founda- 
tion of this industry, Mr. Trix lias given Ids exclusive time and 
attention to its interests, bringing it up to a liigh standard as among 
Detroit's leading manufacturing enterprises. He is otherwise inter- 
ested in several manufacturing considerations in whicli he has 
achieved a distinguished identity. He married an estimable Detroit 
lady and has three children. 

Hiram Morse Keeler, secretary and treasurer of the Ameri- 



J. A. GROSVENOR. 

factures consist of high speed, hydraulic, passenger, and belt and 
hand power freight elevators. The building occupied at 123 and 12.5 
Congress street west, is commodious, well adapted to the business, 
and is thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and appliances. 
The trade territory embraces Michigan and adjoining states. Mr. 
Grosvenor devotes Iiis time and attention to the details of the 
business with which he is thoroughly acquainted. 

AMERICAN INJECTOR COMPANY. 
John Trix, president of the American Injector Company, was 
born at New Orleans, Louisiana, December 13, 1848, and whenquite 
young removed with his parents to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was 
educated in the public schools. At the age of thirteen he began the 
actual business of life as the engineer and fireman of a small port- 
able engine used in a saw mill. He was afterward employed in the 
manufacture cf tobacco in New Y'ork City and other principal cities 
of the United States, being for sixteen years tlie superintendent for 
John J. Bagley & Company, at Detroit. Subsequently he embarked 
in business on his own account as a manufacturer of steam injectors, 
thus laying the foundation of the present American Injector Com- 
pany, at 175 Larned street, west, which was organized and incorpo- 




H. M, KEELER. 



140 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



can Injector Company, was born at Grass Lake, Michigan, January 
13, 1853. After preliminary instruction in the common scliools, he 
entered the State University at Ann Arbor in 1868, grail uacing there- 
from in 1872. The following four years were employeil in the con- 
duct of the mercantile business at Jliddleville, Jlichigun, during the 
former two years of which time he ajJiilied himself to the study of 
chemistiy and in 1874 took a master's degree in the State University. 
Coming to Detroit in 1.S7G, he began the study of law and was 
admitted to practice in tlie Sujireme Court in 1878. He continued 
the practice of his profession until 1885, when he became associated 
with the American Injector Company as an accountant and business 
correspondent, which led to a partnership interest upon the incorpo- 
ration of the company in October, 188G. Mr. Keeler has since 
devoted his exclu- 
sive time and aten- 
tion to the affairs of 
the Anaerican In- 
jector Company, of 
which he is an im- 
portant and enter- 
prising factor. 

BUHL, SONS & CO- 

This firm dates 
from 1855, when it 
was established by 
Messrs. Christian H- 
Buhl and Charles 
Ducliarme, as Buh^ 
& Ducharme. The 
admmission to part- 
nership, iu 1872, of 
Mr. Theo. D. Buld, 
a son of Mr. Cliris- 
tian H. Buhl, 
brought about the 
cli.ange of firm 
name to Buhl, Du- 
charme & Com- 
pany. Mr. Du- 
charme died in 1873, 
but the firm name 
was retained by tlie 
surviving mcmljers 
until 1880, when 
the present organi- 
zation was effected 
by the admission of 
Messrs. Frank H. 
BuliI, David Ad- 
ams, J. M. Thurber 
and Charles II. Ja- 
cobs, under the firm 
name of Buhl, Sons 
& Company. The 
buildings at Nos. 
103, 105, 109 and 111 
West Woodbridge 
street are repre- 
sented in four 
stories 100x300 feet 

devoted to tlie large stock of hardware in all of its varied phases, in- 
cluding builders' and cabinet hardware, shelf goods and general 
hardware, mechanics' and machinists' tools, locksmiths' and 
butchers' implements, blacksmiths' and carriage makers' supplies, 
American and foreign iron and steel, bar. band, hoop, tank and 
sheet iron, liglitT-rails, steel nails, spikes, bolts, horse-shoes and horse 
shoe nails, chains, tin i-late, guns and pistols, cartridges and amuni- 
tion, fisliing tackle and sjiorting goods, table and pocket cutlery and 
house furnishing utensils, and tools for all trades. These goods are 
ordered in large invoices from the leading American and European 
manufacturers, with special reference to superior ((uality and at a 
large saving in cost from the m.agnitude of purchases. Tlie trade 
territory embraces Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and the w hole north- 




milll,, SONS k roMI'ANY'S WHOLESALE HAKDWARE HOUSE. 



western section of the continent. This firm owns and operates the 
Sharon Iron Works at Sharon, Pennsylvania, which give employ- 
ment to 1,000 liands whose products inclu<le bar, band, hoop, tank 
and sheet iron, Trails and steel rails. These works have a blast 
furnace with two slacks, one 73x53 1-3 feet, constructed in 1865 and 
reconstructed in 1887, the other 73x15 feet, constructed in 1866 and 
enlarged in 1883, The rolling mill turns out 70,000 net tonsannually. 
The facilitie.s embrace eleven double and thirteen single 
puddling furnaces, twelve heating furnaces, seven traias 
of rolls and sixty-four nail machines. The annual output is 
represented by 30.000 net tons of iron and 150,000 kegs of nails. The 
members of tins (irm are especially iirominent in the iron and hard- 
tvare business of the country, with which they are associated as 

prominent factors. 

HENRY C. HART 
M'F'G. CO. 

Henry C. Hart, 
president; J. AV. 
Cross, vice-presi- 
dent; Charles J. 
Hayden, secretary; 
Alltert Ives, Jr., 
treasurer; manu- 
facturers of rail- 
way, cabinet and 
special hardware; 
493 to 513 Franklin 
street. This estab- 
I i s h m e n t was 
founiled in 1879 by 
Henry C. Hart & 
Company, and has 
since been incorpo- 
rated as the Henry 
C. Hart Manufac- 
turing Company 
with a capital stock 
of $100,000. The 
buildings occupied 
are of substantial 
construction, 175x 
40 feet in dimen- 
sions, five stories in 
height, and com- 
prise a main build- 
ing, foundry, out 
buildings, etc. The 
line of jtrodiicts 
embraces railway, 
cabinet and special 
hardware, for 
which a large trade 
has been secured 
throughout the 
Un ited States. 
Constant employ- 
ment is given to 
450 competent 
■workmen, and tlie 
annual output of 
manufacturing are 



the factory equals .<;375,000. The facilities for .„ ^ „,c 

of the most improved modern description, including various special 
machines adajited to tlie requirements of leading features. Every 
article manufactured by this company is fully inspected before 
leaving the factory, the strongest proof that can be given of relia- 
bility and genuiness. Tlie officers are well known and enteriirising 
business men and belong to Detroit's prominent and leading trade 
exemplars and earnest promoters of the city's general commercial 
interests. The company have established and flourishing branch 
offises at No. 8 Warren street. New York, of wliicli Jlr. II. D. 
Moore is resident salesman; at No. 261 Wabasli avenue, Chicago, of 
which Mr. Stephen Black is resident salesman, and at No. 57 Second 
street, San Francisco, of which Mr. W. H. Brown is the resident 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



141 





WALTER S. BURN. 

salesman. The general affairs of the company are In a highly 
prosperous condition and their business record is full of honor and 
continual successes. 

STAMPING, WIRE AND HYDRANT WORKS. 

BUHL STAMPING COMPANY. 
This extensive establishment, started in the Spring of 1888, has 
rajiidly become one 



of the important 
enterprises of the 
city. The president 
of the comi^any is 
Theodore D. Buhl; 
Walter S. Burn, 
treasurer and man- 
ager, and William 
H. Burn, secretary. 
The Messrs Burn 
came to Detroit 
in 1888, when the 
Bulil Stamping 
Company was or- 
ganized. They are 
33 and 30 years old 
respectively; were 
born at Toronto, 
Canada: educated 
at the high school 
at Coburg, at the 
Upper Canada Col- 
lege, Toronto, and 
at the Trinity Col- 
lege, Port Hope, 
Canada. The}' both 
entered and learned 
branches of the busi- 
ness witli two of the 

leading wholesale hardware concerns 
entered into manufacturing and 
engaged in the manufacture of shelf ]iardware, circular and cross- 
cut saws, full lines of deep sheet metal, drawn and stamped wares, 




■^&jiMd 



BUHL STAMPING COMPANY S WORKS 

at Montreal. They then 
were jirominently and actively 



WILLIAM H. BURN. 

tubular and railroad lanterns, central brass burners, lamps, etc. 
Among the leading articles in the manufacture of wliich the Buhl 
Stamping Company have obtained considerable note, and the lines 
which have been placed upon the market so largely since its organ- 
ization, are the tubular lanterns, of which the present factory has 
a capacity of about 3.500 daily; the stamping of all parts for milk 
cans so extensively used in raih-oad sliipping of milk and the carry- 
ing of milk to the 
cheese factories in 
the country, wliich 
parts are sold 
through the large 
metal jobbing hous- 
es to dealers in dai- 
ry supplies, also a 
nice line of jap- 
anned bird cages. 
The Buhl Stamping 
Company liave one 
of the largest stamp- 
ing presses in the 
United States, and 
their manufa-tures 
find ready sale 
throughout the en- 
tire Union. In the 
manufacture of 
milk can stock the 
company r e q u i r e 
quantities of spe- 
cially rolled sheet 
steel, which they 
tin and re-tin in 
tlieir extensive mill 
tin plating depart- 
ment. The tin parts 
and sheets equal the 
finest quality produced in this line. Tin plating is quite a feature 
of their business. This company furnish employment to 130 persons 
the year round. The railroad shipping facilities are most excellent, 
the factory being in close proximity to the Micliigan Central, 










I-*.-/ 




''■ ^"^-^ -^-T^" 



142 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



Wabasli, Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, Cliicago & Grand 
Trunin and the Detroit Lansing & Xorlhein Railroads. The company's 
works have been operated so far in the premises hitely occupied by 
the Buld Iron Works and the Detroit Copper and Brass Rolling 
Mills, situated in the block bounded by Third and Fourth, and 
Larned and Congress streets. Their growing business requires them 
to ])repare promises specially adapteil to their line of business. The 
engraving which we show representing the new works is a good 
perspective view. Possessing every convenience, the general 
arrangements of the estal)lishment are fully up tothe latest require- 
ments of modern manufactories. 

E. T. BARNUM. 

The increase in the use of wire and iron work in all the arts for 
the past few years has been enormous, and the enhancement in 
artistic merit, in beauty of design, and grace of proportion, has 
kept even pace with the demand, until to-day a ghyce at the illus- 
trated catalogue of a leading 

K*.- iy^' -. 




fll' 



1^ 












manufacturer is a revelation 
in that the somber iron and 
glittering brass can so com- 
jjletely exjjress artistic fan- 
cies and dreamy rythme. 
Eugene T. Barnum has done 
more, perhaps, than any 
other man in the country to 
develop the numerous uses 
of wire and iron work, and 
has labored, not in vain, to 
imbue tlu^ usef id with artistic 
grace. He started in a small 
way in 18G0, in a store on 
Woodward avenue, making 
a few articles in ornamental 
wire work; from this small 
beginning grew one of the 
largest institutions in the 
world, c< vering acres of 
ground, and employing hun- 
dreds of operatives, the 
j)rodncts uf which were 
distributrd to all parts of the 
world. Willi characteristic 
enterprise and push, Mr. 
Barnum kept pace with the 
increasing demands for wire 
and iron work he had made, 
by constantly adding new 
articles to his extensive line, 
until his catalogue assumed 
huge j)roportions, and was 
mailed by the thousands to 
jjeople demanding it in every 
part of the United States 
and the outside commercial 
world; it covered almost 
every conceivable form of 
wire and iron work for 

builders and fine decorative purposes, from wire window guards to 
jionderous cemetery gates and immense jails of chilled steel work. 
At one time TOO operatives were employed, with a small army of 
clerks an<I salesmen. The increase of this business from so small a 
beginning to such proportions, and during its (juarter of a century 
of existence, was not without its vicissitudes. A disastrous fire in 
188.5 laid the whole immense establishment in ashes. It is part of 
the history of the trade how Jlr. Barnum, with undaunted courage, 
set himself, almost single handed, to build up liis business again, 
and how soon he succeeded. Since that time the j)rogress of his 
business has been steadily going upward and onward. Aside from 
the excellence of workmanship, the artistic designing of his work 
has received constant and careful attention from Mr. Barnum, new 
features being continually added, as is shown by beautiful and 
ornate brass and wrought iron bank and ofiice fittings in hundreds 
of banks throughout the United States, in ornamental balconies and 



fire escapes on buildings all over the country, and by artistic 
wrought iron fences surrounding public and private buildings in 
the principal cities and towns from Maine to Texas. There would 
seem to be no limit to the uses of brass and iron, as sliown by the 
extensive illustrated catalogues issued by Mr. Barnum. Among the 
leading articles made by this old established firm might be men- 
tioned, wrought iron fences, stairs, balcony railings, wire and iron 
fences, wire flu., ir pot stands, and innumerable other articles in 
ornamental wire work, iron settees, chairs, vases, lawn fm-niture 
for private residences and i)arks, cemetery fences, fountains, stable 
fixtures, wire cloth, wire netting, wrought iron and wire orna- 
mental window guards, grills, roof cresting, ornaments, weather 
vanes, wire signs, bank and ofTice railings, in ornamental iron, 
brass and bronze work, and last but not least, cells and jail work of 
all descriptions. Office and salesroom 179 Jefferson avenue. Fac- 
tory on Grand River avenue. An artistic catalogue of the goods 
made by this concern will be mailed to anyone requesting it. 

GALVIX VALVE AND 



HYDRANT COMPANY. 









1 

1 
1}. 






3 



i 



3 






WIRE CLOTH, RAILING.CRtSTING 




E. T. BARNUM AVIRE AND IRON WORKS. 



Tliaddeus Galvin, presi- 
dent; Charles W. Casgrain, 
vice-president; John Galvin, 
general manager: James Gal- 
vin, superintendent; Tliomas 
L. Nolan, Secretary. Tliad- 
deus and John Galvin estab- 
lished business in Detroit on 
the corner of Third and 
Congress streets, in 18G9, 
starting with less than |200 
in the bank. The firm was 
then known as Galvin 
Brothers' Central Brass 
Works, and during the first 
year did all their work them- 
selves, but early in the 
second year they were com- 
pelled to hue ten additional 
hands working upon brass 
and iron goods. Seeking 
larger quarters, they pur- 
chased the buildings and 
lease of the premises corner 
of Larned and Second streets, 
in addition to the two story 
brick building 50x10 feet. 
They Imilt a brass foundry 
and boiler room 60x10 feet, 
where they cast all kinds of 
brass valves, hydrants, loco- 
motive and car brasses for 
the Michigan Central and 
other railroads, also marine 
work and bra"s bearings for 
some of the largest steam- 
boats on the great lakes, 
the heavy brass bearings for 
the new water workj engine. They also cast the gim metal 
and bronze bearings for the largest stationary engines in the world, 
having a capacity of GOOO horse power each, and manufactured for 
the Chicago Rolling Mills, The immense brass pillar blocks, con- 
necting rod brasses and cylinder rings being made without a single 
defect. The low pressure steam cylinder was 86x110. The 
high pressure steam cylinder was 48x110 making 1.50 i-evolutions and 
seven reverses per minute. They also made all the fog signal 
whistles used by the United States Government up to 1884. On of 
the Largest and most expensive window sashes in the front of New- 
comb & Endicott's store on Woodward avenue was of their peculiar 
construction. They also did the first nickel stove plating in Detroit 
for the Detroit and Michigan stove companies. Never following 
any lead<'r or copying any others, the company always sought to do 
the best in their lino of trade, they are conseqently the inventors of 
many new devices, such as their twin and triplet lawn founts, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



H3 




THADDEUS GALVIN. 

wedge fire hose coupling, for which a challenge was issued with no 
takers in competion at the national convention of chief engineers 
of fire departments; a water gauge; a glass float indicator for boiler 
glasses; premium journal oilers and sight feed lubricators, the first 
automatic lubricator with Jiand jiump combination; die cast iron 
curb conduit for underground electric wires; automatic dry valve 
for use in extreme cold weather; radiator valve with automatic 
carbon vent; a device for flushing sewers with hydraulic pressure; 
various gate valves; conical stand pipe fire iiydrant with removable 
drij) and rotary shut off nozzle; also independent cut off nozzle, 
ari-anged so that the thread which ojaerated the cut off, would 
not be in the water, and consequently could not become 
disabled with ice in cold climates, many of which are 
used by the Detroit fire departments and in other large 
cities. All through the successful working of their business, 
the brothers, Thaddeus, John and James, have each contrib- 
uted their entire time and attention, and to each alike belongs the 
success attending upon the establishment. They organized the Gal- 
vin Brass and Iron "Works in 1884, with F. F. Palms, John Collins 
and others, Mr. Palms being then at the head of the firm, the 
Galvius liaving disposed of their interest in 1888 when their present 
company was organized. They now liave one of the most com- 
modious sites in the United States for their line of business. Their 
machinery is all new and of improved pattern. Their site covers 
two acres of ground. Their main building is three stories with truss 
roof VoxlSO, offices two stories, 30x40; iron foundry, lOOxoO; brass 
foundry G0x40; blacksmith shop, 40x40 with ]iattern room and store 
house all complete and capable of working 500 men. Thtir build- 
ings are located upon the river front with the railroad at the rear 
and street car line passing by the main office. 

ThaddeuS Galvin came to Detroit from Boston, Massachusetts, 
in 18.j0, with his parents, both of whom are still living. The father 
of the Galvin brothers is 88 years past, is one of the most active 
old men in Detroit, and was ai iron worker in liis younger days, 
and his sons inlierit much of their genius from him. At the age of 
fourteen Th.addeus was apprenticed for four years to learn the trade 
of brass moulding and finishing; at the expiration of this time, to 
better perfect himself in tlie business than he could in Detroit, went 
back to his former home in Boston to complete his trade, and in 
1805 returned to Detroit, where, four years later with his brother 
John, he established the Galvin Brothers Central Brass Works, and 



afterwards the Galvin Brass & Iron Works, and attained such 
success that in 1888 they disposed of the above named works and 
established their present business, known as the Galvin Valve and 
Hydrant Company. Thaddeus Galvin, the senior member of the 
firm, while in Boston, gained much valuable practical knowledge 
advantageous to his trade, and also made niT.ny important inven- 
tions and discoveries. He also cast and finished brass work for the 
Monitors, then being built for the government in East Boston and 
Charlestown, making the brasses for the deck lights, which weighed 
from eight to ten hundred pounds, and also the highly finished 
steam valves for the engines of the same boats. He saw the United 
States Gunboat Kearsarge wlien it landed at the Commercial wharf 
with the rebel shell wedged in its stern, and advised the best plan 
to safely remove it, which advice was accepted and well rewarded. 
Mr. Galvin also made improvements in many Fox lathe tools, then 
manufactured in Boston, and was first to operate such lathes in 
Detroit for general work, and which has since been used in all the 
lea ling establishments in the country. There are few cities in the 
United States where some of his artistic work and mechanical 
genius is not displayed. The only public office Mr. Galvin has ever 
held was in 1888, when elected to tlie board of estimates here, upon 
the Democratic ticket, he being alwa}'s a consistent Jack.;onian 
Democrat. Mr. Galvin devotes his attention to tlie business, which 
has grown to its present gigantic proportions by his faithful 
co-operation with his younger brothers, who were ever ready to 
accept his council and advice. 

James G.'V.LVIN, superintendent of the brass department of the 
Galvin Valve and Hydrant Works, the youngest of the Galvin 
brothers, was born in Detroit, in the old eighth ward. He attended 
school at the Houghton, going through the studies in the various 
grades, after which he attended the Mayhevv Business University, 
leaving there with the customary diploma. He decided to learn 
the brass and iron business with his brothers. He served his 
ai>prenticesliip of four years in a most satisfactory manner; he then 
began as a regular mechanic and worked his way up until he 
became a partner, his admission into the company making the third 
brother engaged in the firm, and like tlie older brothers he is fast 
approaching their originality, being the inventor of several useful 
devices which are now indispensible in the manufacture of brass 
valves, also the patentee and inventor of two styles of gate valves, 
used very extensively. The name Galvin, Galvan or Galvani, 



<^ 



3k 




JAMES GALVIN. 



144 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 









^ 1^ 


i 




.^ 






/y 


¥ 


^ 


Im 


t 


■■ 


^ \^^ 







JOHN OAL-\aN. 

which are tlio same name, is well known in history and among 
uiventors, consecinently accounts in no small degree for the origi- 
nality wliich they inherit. The accompanying illustration is a very 
fair likeness of James Galvin. 

John Galvin, the general manager of the Galvin Valve and 
Hydrant Works, is the second in age of the tln-ee brotliers. He is 
an active, energetic and tlioroughly qualified business man and 
second to none in the branch of business which he has adopted. 
Keeping close watch upon the meclianical departments as well as 
familiarizing himself with the wants of the trade, his productions 
are always in anticipation of tlie market. He keeps well up to the 
times in the outside world of mechanics and in the shop he is first to 
advance ideas and perfect tools for turning out the best work in 
l)rofitable time to the concern. It is through his inventive genius 
and original ideas tliat the firm successfully produce the various 
valves and fire hydrants as well as the labor saving tools with 
whicli to manufacture them; also the many other devices manu- 
factured by other companies, giving employment to hundreds of 
men outside of his own works. The portrait herewith presented is 
a very good likeness, but imagine a man six feet, four inches tall, 
wearing a seven and three-fourths hat, and you have John Galvin 
in the works. 



SAFE WORKS. 

DETROIT SAFE COMPANY. 
This establishment was established in 1865, and is incorporated 
with a i)aid up capital of .f:i.")0,000 and an authorized cajjital of 
|;.j(K),(M)(). Tlicir facilities and appliances are of the latest and most 
imi)roved description. The factory on Fort street, east, is a large 
and imposing structure of brick, three stories in height, and is 
350xl;)8 feet in dimensions. Employment is given to 200 skilled 
mechanics, and twenty-five traveling saltsmen represent the inter- 
ests of the company throughout the United States. The products 
embrace fire and burglar-proof safes, bank vaults and prison work. 
An export trade has been created and extends to Cuba and South 
America. The auiuial output aggregates in value .|500,000, and is 
constantly being augmenied under the stimulus of dcinand. The 
oflicers of the company are E. Y. Swift, president; Charles Endicott, 
treasurer; A. VV. Baxter, secretary; A. S. Wiley, manager The 
safes manufactured by this company are imexcelled for perfection 



of workmanship and adaptation to prescribed purposes, and are 
warranted in everj' particular to meet all exigencies and reijuire- 
ments. The company have recently completed a barglar-proof 
vault for tlie National Bank of Commerce, of Pittsburgli, Pennsjd- 
vania, vliich is in certain respects unique and peculiar, being more 
than double the strength of an3' vault in the world, the walls com- 
posing the vault lining consisting of steel bars and tempered steel 
plates fourn'cn and five-eighths inches in thickness, tlie weight of 
the outer doors and frames being over ten tons. The apparatus for 
opening the ponderous doors consists of a series of gears, the lower 
one playing into a rack built into the floor, the hand wheel, from 
which the motion originates, is so geared up that a child could open 
it. The jiatent under which this vault was constructed is owned by 
Mr. Wiley. The lieavy door of the vault is not jiierced by spiniUe 
or arljor, nor is there any hole of any kind through it. The massive 
bolt work which .secures the door is thrown in place both in opening 
and closing by an electric current operating through a double system 
of solenoid magnets. This is also the invention of 3Ir. WUey. The 
steel jamb safe, manufactured by this company, is generally con- 
ceded to possess the property of more successfully resisting the 
action of heat than any other. The door frames and jambs of these 
safes are made of mallealjle rolled steel, of great tensile strength, 
crimped and rolled into six offsets or flanges, under the exclusive 
patents of this company. The following advantages are claimed 
for them and represent their varied points of superiority: "The 
thinness of tlie metal connecting the outside with the inside box; 
the toughness of the metal forming the door frames and jambs; the 
<lose fitting of the door frame to the janili; the Jlo^ition of the bolt- 
work on the inner flange of the door; the round corners of the safe." 
In all other safes made in the United States the door frames and 
jambs are of cast iron, requiring that it be of exceptional thickness 
to secure the necessary strength, causing it to act as a conductor of 
heat to the interior of the safe, and to become cracked when 
exjiosed to fire by reason of its brittleness. By tlie employment of 
thin steel in the construction of their safe flanges the Detroit Safe 
Company has effectually solved the problem of making the front of 
a safe as impervious to tlie action of fire as its other walls. The 
flre-proof filling used renders the contents of the safe fully protected 
from any fire to which it can be exjiosed in a burning building, and 
the round corners afford double protection against the bursting of 
the safe from heavy falls. The fact that in no instance where these 




A. S. WILEY. 



\ 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



H5 



sateb Li to fire has there been any damage to their 

contenia iS potent as showing the superiority and excellence of con- 
struction and arrangement. Detroit possesses, in the Detroit Safe 
Company, one of its most important and enterprising trade factors, 
and one whicli has been advanced through its products to the most 
eminent distinction. 

Abraham S. Wiley, the manager of f.e Detroit Safe Company, 
was born at Boston, Massachusetts, April 9, 1833. His father was 
connected with the United States Branch Banlf, at Boston, until the 
change in the banking system; subsequently he became treasurer of 
the Fitchburg Railroad, of which he had been one of the organizers. 
The early education of the son was received in the academy at 
Lunenberg, and later at a school in Westford, Massachusetts. At 
the age of sixteen he went into the wholesale drug house of Brew- 
ers, Stevens & Gushing, at Boston, and in 18G5 became a member of 
the firm of Carter & Wiley, in the same line, at Boston. He con- 
tinued in this relation for eight years, when, disposing of his 
interest, he came to Detroit, where his two brothers, William and 
Jefferson, were located, Mr. Jefferson Wiley being a member of the 
firm of Jackson & Wiley. Mr. A. S. Wiley was elected vice- 
president of the Detroit Safe Company in 1874, and in March, 1890, 
became its manager. He is a member of tlie Masonic fraternity. 



CAR WORKS. 

MICHIGAN CAR COMPANY. 
The business of the IMicliigan Car Company is among tlie oldest 
of its kind in the United States, having been established in 1864. 
Tlio plant of this company is located at West Detroit, a point most 
convenient for receiving timber, iron and coal. The plant is 
equipped throughout with the latest and best machinery, and all 
railroads entering Detroit pass by the works. The capital of the 
Michigan Car Company is $500,000. About the same time the 
Michigan Car Company commenced the business of manufacturing 
freight cars, the Detroit Car Wheel Company was formed with a 
capital of $250,000. These two companies, although their stock is 
held by tlie same individuals and though the plants are in the same 
inclosure and the companies are mainly officered by the same 
gentlemen, are kept distinct, yet they are practically united. 
The Detroit Car Wheel Company have a capacity of about 425 cast 
iron wheels per day, besides making 150 tons of miscellaneous car 
and other castings. This product mostly goes into cars manufac- 
tured by the Michigan Car Company. The capacity of the Mich- 
igan Car Company is from 9,000 to 10,000 freiglit cars per annum. 
In the month of August, 1890, they built 902 box cars of 25 tons 
capacity, on one day building as many as forty cars. This is the 
highest maximum they have ever reached. The business of the 
Michigan Car Company consists in building all kinds of freight 
cars, svich as are in use on the North American continent — box, flat, 
coal, ore, oil tank and refrigerator cars and cars for carrying cattle 
and hogs, a well as all kinds of specialties, cabooses, snow plows, 
etc. It also does a very large business in repairing cars for various 
railroads. Following is a list of the ofiicers of the Michigan Car 
Company: Hon. James McMillan, president; Hugh McMillan, vice- 
president; W. C. McMillan, general manager; W. K. Anderson, 
treasurer; Joseijh Taylor, secretary; R. E. Plumb, general agent; 
James McGregor, general superintendent ; George O. Begg, pur- 
chasing agent. Following is a list of the officers of the Detroit Car 
Wheel Company: Hon. James McMillan, president; Hugh McMillan, 
vice-president; W. C. McMillan, secretary and general manager; 
W. K. Anderson, treasurer; J. H. Whiting, superintendent. They 
have also connected with them the Michigan Forge & Iron Com- 
pany, which, under the name of the Baugli Steam Forge Company, 
was incorporated in 1876. The capital of that company is $250,000. 
Its plant consists of a rolling mill and steam forge. From this com- 
pany the Michigan Car Company obtains its wroght iron bars used 
in car construction, and its axles. The Forge Company makes, in 
addition thereto, immense quantities of special heavy forgings and 
links and pins, which it has made almost a specialty of for some 
time jjast. This company in not in the same inclosure as tlie Mich- 
igan Car Company and the Detroit Car Wlieel Company, but is 
located in one of the suburbs of Detroit called Springwells. The 
following are the officers of the Michigan Forge & Iron Company: 
Hon. James McMillan, president; Hugh McMillan, vice-president; 



W, C. McMillan, general manager; John B. Baugh, general super- 
intendent; Samuel A. Baugh, superintendent. W. K. Anderson 
treasurer, R. D. Field, secretary. There is in the inclosure of the 
Michigan Car Company, and Detroit Car Wheel Company the 
The Detroit Pipe & Foundry Company; the officers of which are as 
follows: James McMillan, president; Hugh McMillan, vice-president- 
and general manager, W. C. McMillan, secretary and treasurer; 
J. H. Whiting, superintendent. The capital of the Detroit Pipe 
and Foundry Company, is $100,000. Its principal product consists 
of oast iron pipe for water mains, gas mains, culverts, and general 
drainage systems, large quantities of which are used by all railroad 
companies. The immense tunnel under the St Clair river between 
Port Huron and Sarnia is lined throughout with cast iron, about 
four-fifths of which, approximating 20,000 tons, was made by 
this company. The aggregate output of the four above mentioned 
companies would be close onto $6,000,000 per annum, and the total 
number of men employed would be about 3,000. It has always been 
the practice of nearly all American railway companies to contract 
for equipment with manufacturers of same, and some of the few 
which were exceptions to this tiractice are gradually adopting the 




JAMES MCMILLAN 

general course, it being found that companies like the Michigan Car 
Company and the other companies herein mentioned can manufac- 
ture their specialties much more cheaply and satisfactorily than the 
railroad companies themselves. 

James McMillan, was born at Hamilton, May 12, 1838; 
was prepared for college, but in 1855, removed to Detroit 
where he entered upon a business life. In 1860, Mr. McMillan 
married Miss Wetmore, of Detroit, and they have five 
children living, four son.'', and one daughter. In 1863, 
he with others, established the Michigan Car Company, of which 
enterprise, with its various branches, he is president. He has been 
chairman of the Republican state central committee for a number of 
years; he was president of the Board of Park Commissioners for 
three years, and for four years was a member of the Board 
of Estimates; was a presidential elector in 1884; received the 
nomination of the legislature and was elected to the United 
States Senate to succeed T. W. Palmer and took his seat March 3, 
1889. 

PENINSUT.AR CAR COJIPANY. 

Frank J. Hecker, president; C. I.. Freer, vice-president: E. J. 
Reulbach, secretary; John Doyle, superintendent; manufacturers of 



[10] 



146 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 




requirements, i^ Pu/Poses, andption. 
amusement and reading rooms are 
on the ground floor and are elegantly 
furnished to atlord home comfort. The 
private rooms are well lighted, have 
j)erfect ventilation and are attended 
by a staff of trained nurses who reside 
on the premises, and resident physi- 
cians are ever in readiness to attend to 
the invalids' reijuirements. The Sani- 
tarium has a most complete arrange- 
ment of baths, electro-hydric, vapor, 
alkaline, Turkish and medicinal batlis, 
attended \>y skillful operatives. Elec- 
trical ai)pliaiices of modern api)roval 
afford all desirable forms of electric 
treatment. The cuisine is under com- 
lietent sui)ervision, and the charges 
are e.vtreuicly moderate. Established 
in 1884, this institution has been a 
decided success. The officers are Bela 
Hubbard, president; C. 15. Hubbard, 
treasurer; James Inglis, secretary, and 
A. W. 81\aw, manager. 



CLARK'S 



RIVERSIDE 
SPRINGS. 



MINERAL 



DK'I'KdlT SAN'ITAKH'M. 

freight cars, car wheels and castings; works and otlices, north side 
of Ferry avenue, between Russell and Dequindre streets. This 
highly nnportant and valuable nianufactme was established by the 
present company, January 1, ISNO, with a capital stock of ^;!00,000. 
The woiks cover forty acres and possess every requisite facility and 
appurtenance for the conduct of the extensive manufacture. A 
force of 1,500 hands are given steady employment and the annual 
output is 'J,000cars, having a value of $-1,000,000. The trade terri- 
tory embraces the entire United States and the character of the 
products controls a large and constantly increasing demand. 
Detroit has found in this industry one of i ts g r eatest t rade elements 
and one which has essentially aided in 
promoting the city's supreme interests 
in general relations. The officers of 
the company are public spirited and 
enterprising and have infused into the 
manufacture that critical supervision 
and management which have made it 
one of the greatest of its kind in the 
country, and destined to still greater 
development and importance. 



This institution was established by 
Mr. A. S. Clark in July, 1889, for the 
purpose of utilizing the mineral water 
from a spring located at the corner of 
Fort street, west, and Clark avenue. 
Here he has fitted up a large bathing 
establishment in modern style and which is provided with all the 
essentials of comfort and jileasing accessories. Analysis of the 
waters gives them estimable curative properties, especially in the 
treatment of rheumatism, skin diseases, blood" poisoning, female 
diseases, neuralgia, dyspepsia, catarrlial and kidney troubles. A 
(^ai)ital of §40.000 is invested in the Inisiness which is conducted 
upon the most scientific principles. Tlie building contains forty- 
eight bath rooms, which are handsomely furnished and provided 
with every modern appliance and convenience including polite and 
attentive assistants. As a health resort this institution enjoys a 
distinction which invests it with the strongest claims to patronage 



HYGIENIC INSTITUTIONS. 

DETROIT SANITARIUM. 
There are but few institutions of the 
kind that have attained a more justly 
earned celebrity than the Detroit Sani- 
tarium, situated at 250 West Fort 
street. The location being near the 
business centre and yet retired from 
the noise, heat and dust of the city, 
surrounded by shaded lawns, pleasant 
walks and a good neighborhood; it is 
easily accessible by street cars, which 
pass the door. The grounds cover an 
entire sciuare, and the large and com- 
modious building is complete with all 
the modern improvements; heated with 
steaiu aoid equipped with all sanitary 



Wi 



J" .-; 



110*1 





lUVKUSlDK MINKUAl. Sl'KISGS BATH HOUSE, 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



147 




ALVIN S. CLARK. 

by many who would be benefited Iiy the use of the waters. 

Alvin S. Clark was born at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, June 9, 
1845, of American parentage. His father was John P. Clark, who, 
while the son was yet a small boy, removed to Detroit, locating 
upon the farm, tlie present site of Clark's Riverside Mineral Springs, 
at the corner of River Road and Clark avenue. Here Alvin's early 
years were passed, his education being received in the city public 
schools, the one he attended Ijeing situated upon the present location 
of Scotten's tobacco factory. He spent aljout twenty-two years on 
the lakes and fishing grounds. His first actual venture in business 
was in the grocery line, at the corner of River and Campau streets 
the firm being Clark & Hawley. He continued in this business fo» 
two years prior to becoming a clerk on the steamer Alaska, a 
position he occupied for seven years. July 11, 1889, he opened the 
celebrated Clark's Riverside Mineral Springs, a description of which 
precedes this sketch. 

JOSEPHUS C. CHAMBERS 
Was born at Cedar Grove, Franklin county, Indiana, December 
10, 1842. His early education was received in the public schools 
during the winter months, the summer season being devoted to 
labor on the farm, as was the custom at that day. In 18G3 IjC began 
teaching tlie school in wliich he had been a pupil, continuing in that 
relation for four years, after whicli he accepted a position with the 
wholesale dry goods and notion house of Lockard, Ireland & Com- 
pany, in Cincinnati. About this time he began experimenting with 
electrical machines. He remained in the employ of Lockard, Ire- 
land & Company three years, and then accepted a better position 
with Barbour, Stedman & Company, in the same line, still continu- 
ing his electrical experiments. It was about this period that he 
married the daughter of Dr. Trainer. In 1877 he took out his first 
patent on an electrical device for the treatment of disease, with 
which he conducted a series of tests upon subjects free of charge. 
After making some remarkable cures, he, in 1878, ojiened an office 
at Cincinnati, proving himself efficient in the management of the 
most obstinate cases brought under his care. He continued his 
inventions and secured patents upon them. After some time the 
firm with which he had been associated closed out tlieir business to 
organize a company to conduct tlie sale of his patents, with a paid 
up capital of $100,000. In this venture Professor Chambers achieved 
a notable success, withdrawing in 1884 and retaining his one-fourth 



interest. He came to Detroit at the solicitation of Mr. W. A. Jack- 
son, manager of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, in order to 
perfect his experments on telegraph and telephone lines and cables, 
to prevent the disturbing influence of induction. After putting in 
lines for experimental purposes he was engaged in service for eleven 
months at the Detroit Electrical Works. Professor Chambers and 
Mr. W. A. Jackson secured five patents for their inventions. Pro- 
fessor Chambers having become attracted to Detroit determined to 
remain here with his family, who had some time before rejoined 
him. He established the Electric and Medical Sanitarium, at 60 
Washington avenue, the only institution of its character in the 
United States. So great has been the demand for the form of 
electric treatment jiresoribed by Professor Cliambers outside of this 
city that he has been induced to open branch houses in Grand 
Rapids and Jackson, Michigan; Toledo, Oliio, and at Wasliington, 
District Columbia. He is also ijreparing to open establishments in 
Pittsburgh and New York City. During the past year he has given 
over 30,000 treatments, doing more tlian double the sum in cash 
than any other institution in the city. He has recently taken in a 
partner, Mr. W. A. Iligbe, formerly of Reed City, Michigan, and 
they have leased the property now occupied at 60 Wasliington 
avenue, for ten years, and will remodel and improve it, rendering it 
one of the cosiest and best appointed sanitariums in the State of 
Michigan. He last year purchased a splendid residence at 693 Cass 
avenue. Professor Chambers values the necessity of securing the 
most exjierienced and proficient medical and surgical talent in the 
country, and his thousands of patients liave given him the strongest 
l)Ossil>le testimonials regarding the peculiar efficacy of his treat- 
ment. 



BUSINESS COLLEGE. 



DETROIT BUSINESS UNIVERSITY. 
Originally founded in 1850 as the Commercial Institute, corner 
of Woodward avenue and Lamed street, under William Cochrane; 
removed in 1859 to the Merrill block, under the name of the 
Bryant & Stratton Mercantile College, witli J. A. Goldsniilli for 
principal, he having succeeded Mr. Cochrane in 1857, and in 18G5 
removed to the Seitz block, William F. Jewell, of Cliicago, being 
called to the principalshi)), and introducing practical features in the 
curriculum of stuiy. In 1876 the name was again changed to Gold- 




CllAMIiERS. 



148 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 




WILLIAM F. JEWELL. 

smith's Business University, and larger quarters were sought, at the 
corner of Griswt)l(l street and Lafayette avenue. In 1882 Mr. Jew- 
ell became sole proprietor, and in 1885 the University and the 
Spencerian Business College, established by Messrs. Spencer, Felton 
& Loomis, of Cleveland, who had purchased the Mayhew Business 
College were consolidated. From this combination sprang the 
Detroit Business University, with a corps of efficient teachers in 
every department. On April 1, 1S90, the University was removed 
to the commodious and elegant building at 11 to 19 Wilcox street, 
designed and constructed especially for the University. The build- 
ing is lOOxlGO feet, is imjiosing and graceful in architecture, unique 
in arrangement, and is substantially constructed of brick, with 
copings of red sandstone. The halls, class and recitation rooms, 
cloak and toilet rooms, are models of comfort and convenience. 
There has been over 1,100 students in attendance during the past 
year, and 2G,000 since it was established in 18.50. The officers are 
William F. Jewell, president; Piatt R. Spencer, Junior, Secretary. 
WiLLL\M F. Jewell, president of the Detroit Business Univer- 
sity, was born on a farm at Oneida Lake, New York, March 7, 1837, 
of sturdy New England parents. He received excellent tiaining, 
both from his iiarents and at school, and at the age of eighteen 
entered Wheaton College, Illinois, taking both the classical and 
scientilic courses. He taught a district school for some years and 
"boarded round,'" after the manner of the time. He was a pro- 
nounced success as a teacher from the first. In 1854 Mr. Jewell 
entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Chicago, and gained 
there the thorough commercial education which he has since used 
to such great advantage to himself and scores of young men A 
lumbering firm at Green Bay, Wisconsin, employed his time for a 
few months, but the work was not congenial, and he resigned to 
accept a situation as inslruc^tor in the Bryant & Stratton college of 
Chicago. His fame as a practical and thorough instructor soon 
reached Detroit, and Messrs. Goldsmith, Bryant & Stratton wrote 
for him in 1805, inviting liim to become associated with them. 
Since then he has been a faithful and appreciated trainer of the boy 
into the capable scholar and business man. Until April 1, 1883, 
Professor Jewell had exclusive control of the scholastic department 
and Mr. Goldsmith of the business department. On this date Mr. 
Jewell became sole proprietor and president of the University. 
July 1, 1885, the institution and the Spencerian Business College, 
■which succeeded the Mayhew Business College, were consolidated. 



Platt R. Spexcf.r, Jr., secretary of the Detroit Business Uni- 
versity, was born May .3, 1835, at Geneva, Ohio, and started his 
school life when only three years old, at Jeffer.son, Ohio, where his 
parents were then living, his father being then treasurer of the 
(Ashtabida) ciunit3-. At the age of eight he entered the Jefferson 
academy where his father (author of the famed Spencerian system) 
taught penmanship. The son early evinced the talent inherited 
from his father, and at fourteen years of age was made assistant 
instructor in Spencer's Log Seminary, one of the most popular of 
the schools of that day. Platt, Jr., attended select school, taught 
and worked on the farm until his fifteenth year, when he went to 
East Ashtabula, Ohio, and taught his first cla.ss in writing, inde- 
pendent of his father. The class was composed not only of boys 
and girls but of young ladies and gentlemen much older than the 
boy teacher. After teaching in other places in this state, he 
attended Hiram College, (was a pupil of James A. Garfield, after- 
wards gi eat statesman and President of the United States) paying 
his e-xpenses by teaching iienmanship, as he did afterwards in 
Kingsville Academy, and West Springfield, Pennsylvania. He took 
a complete business course at the Bryant & Stratton College, of 
Cleveland. Ohio, being i)rincipal for a year in the department of 
penmanship. He next taught in the Iron City College, Pittsburg, 
Pennsjlvania, and was then associated for several years with the 
Bryant & Stratton College at C'hicago, ami later with Mr. B. 
McGann, opened the B. & S. College in Pliiladelphia. He was 
married to Miss Mary E. Duty, of Cleveland, about this time, 
making their home in Philadelphia. In 1863 Mr. Spencer acijuired 
a half interest in the Bryant & Stratton College, at Indianapolis, 
which college was highly successful under his principalship. In 
1865 he founded the Spencerian Institute of Penmanship at Geneva, 
Ohio, which was afterwards removed to Cleveland, becoming 
incorporated with the Union (original Bryant & Stratton) College. 
In 1877 he became sole pro|irietor of the latter institution, changing 
its name to Spenceri in Business College which name it still holds 
and is the largest institution of the kind in Ohio. As secretary of 
the Detroit Business University and principal of the department 
of penmanship, Mr. Spencer has proved himself devoted to his pro- 
fession, and has taken a deep interest in his pupils, both from an 
educational and a personal standpoint. He has doubtless taught 
mere penmen than any other man in this country. He is earnest, 
conscientious and honorable, a man with a successful career and a 
wide reputation. 




PLATT R. SPENCER. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



149 



BIOGRAPHIES. 

DON M. DICKINSON. 
Don 51. Dickinson was born at Port Ontario, Oswego County, 
New York, January 17, 1846, of long American lineage, witli wliioh 
latter fact lie seems perfectly satisfied, seeking no foreign " honor." 
His father, Col. Asa C. Dickinson, was a native of Massachusetts, 
but was quite a traveler for those days, exploring the shores of 
lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, in 1820, in a canoe of birch bark, 
and gaining a great admiration for Michigan. He removed here 
witli his family in 1848, to settle'in St. Clair County. The mother 
of Mr. Dickinson was the daughter of Rev. Jesseniah Holmes, a 
divine known throughout New England. So, from both sides of 
his family the boy Don inherited those sturdy characteristics of self- 
reliance, energy, earnestness and executive ability, for which he is 
so noted. As Don M. Dickinson was but two years of age when 
brought to the beautiful lake state, which he now so proudly claims 
as his own; all his early recollections center around the St. Clair 
river, and his boyish love of river sports still continues. Aunt 
Emily Ward, whose name is always affectionately associated with 
that of the Dickinsons', describes him as "not much like other 
boys. He was inclined to read books and acquire information from 
his elders. He was extremely methodical and systematic in all that 
he undertook, and earnest in his efforts to accomplish it." He 
graduated from the University before he was twenty-one and 
studied law. In 1867 he began the practice of law, for which he 
was so well fitted by natural inclination and thorough application. 
His career has included clients who have represented momentous 
interests in many states. In addition to many difficult cases of 
somewhat less importance, in which he was active, he conducted 
the following in the Supreme Court of the United States: Tlie great 
telephone case, when he made the leading argument for Draw- 
baugh; the Schott and Feibish cases, which involved a conflict 
between the jurisdiction of the Federal C^ourts and Michigan State 
Courts, state jurisdiction being sustained after seven years' contest; 
Paris, Allen & Company vs. Wheeler & Garfield, in which the old 
Michigan prohibitor}' law was involved; Pewabic mining case, 
involving validity of Michigan's Corporation Reorganization Act; 
L. M. Bates & Comjiany vs. Peoples' Savings Bank of Detroit; 
Hammond & Company vs. Hastings. In the Federal and State 
Courts he conducted the case of the Lake Superior Ship Canal Com- 





DON M. DICKINSON. 



GEORGE C HUEBNEE. 

pany; acted as counsel for Emily Ward in the Ward will case; was 
in the Campau will case and the Johnson will case. To sum up he 
has been engaged in all of the leading cases under the Bankruptcy 
Act of 1867, and in almost every important litigation for fifteen 
yeai's, and has been successful in all those named above, except the 
telephone case, in which an adverse decision was rendered by a 
majority of one. Mr. Dickinson stepped into the outer ring of the 
political arena in 1873, and his party soon perceived that he was the 
man for secretary of the Democratic State Central Committee. 
Here he rendered efficient service, and was recognized as the leader 
of the young Democracy of Michigan, and was chairman of the 
State Committee in the Tilden campaign. He was chosen to repre- 
sent his state as a member of the National Democratic Committee, 
in 1880, and his earnest activity and organizing ability secured for 
him the admiration of his friends and the respect of his opponents. 
In 1886 President Cleveland appointed liim Postmaster-general, and 
the citizens of Detroit, glad that their state was thus honored, 
tendered him an impolitical banquet. He was the fourth represen- 
tative from Michigan to achieve tlie honor of a portfolio— Cass, 
McClellan and Chandler having preceded him to the cabinet. The 
law again claimed him at the close of his term of governmental 
service, and he is as indefatigable in its pursuit, as ambitious to be 
known as the thorough student in his profession, as in early days. 
As a citizen Mr. Dickinson is affable, sympathetic, generous, and 
when to this is added the gift of being a capital storj'-teller, the 
secret of his abiding popularity is revealed. In 1869 he was married 
to Miss Francis L. Piatt, daughter of Dr. Piatt, of Grand Rapids, 
whose charming manners have added materially to the social 
success achieved at home and abroad by her husband. 

GEORGE C. HUEBNER. 
George C. Huebner, treasurer of Wayne County, Michigan, was 
born at Detroit, March 6, 1857 and received his education in the 
German-American Seminary and other private schools. He took a 
business course at O'Brien's Commercial School. He became asso- 
ciated in business with his father, Edward Huebner, manufacturer 
of sash doors and blinds, and at the age of eighteen took the road as 
traveling salesman, achieving in tliat relation the most meritorious 
success. During his second years service on the road he noticed a 
wire door screen, from which he conceived the idea of manufac- 
turing wire door screens on au extensive scale. Mr. Huebner intro- 



ISO 



tJETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



duced this special feature of manufactures and was tlip first man 
in the United States to sell wire door screens to a joljber. This 
industry has since tin-ougli the Huebner Manufacturing; Conipany 
attained vast proportions and constitutes tliat conii)any one of tlie 
largest in this Inie in tin- worlil. Jlr. Huebner was for many years 
tlie secretary and treasurer of tlie Huebner Manufacturin-,' Com- 
pany and still retains a large interest in the business. Jlr. Huebner 
is an ardent Democrat and has always taken an interest in ward 
politics. He was elected to the State Legislature of 1889 by the 
largest majority of tlie seven members from tlie district and served 
one term with the liighest approbation from his constituents. In the 
general election in November, 1890, he was elected treasurer of 
Wayne County, by nearly 5,000 majority. He is a membi'r of Pal- 
estine Lodge, No. ;5.-)7, F. & A. M., and of the Druids and the Mystic 
Circle. He is married and has one child, a son. 

WILLIAM MAY. 
William May, clerk of Wayne County, Michigan, was oorn in 
New York City in 185.3 and came with his parents to Detroit when 
he was but one year old. He was educated in the city public 
schools and took a commercial cotn'se at Mayhew's Business College. 
lie learned the jjrinting trade and worked in that relation from 
18G7 to 1870, liaving been one of the first compositors on the Even- 
ing iVetcsand for some time was foreman of the composing depart- 
ment. January 1, 1876, he engaged in the retail shoe business, in 
which he continued uj) to 1882, when he accepted the position of 
deputy under John J. Enright, clerk of Wayne County, being con- 
tinued in tlie same capacity under his successor, William P. Lane, 
serving for four years under each. At tlie general election in 
November, 1890, he was elected clerk of Wayne county by a major- 
ity of 6,284, tlie largest ever given to any candidate in this county. 
Mr. Jlay is an experienced oflScial and brings into the position his most 
efficient executive abilities. He is a member of the Detroit Light 
Infantry, and of various clubs and societies. He has been twice 
married and has four promising boys. 

JOHN A. HEAMES. 
Register of Deeds for Wayne County, Michigan, was born at 
Detroit May 22, 1859, and was educated in the city public schools 
and at Hellmutli Business College, London Ontario. His first busi- 
ness experience was as a clerk for D. M. Ferry & Company, the 
noted seed merchants, afterward taking a position as office boy in 





JOHN A. IIEA.MKS. 

the employ of the Detroit Leather Company, from whirli he was 
advanced to book-keeper and cashier. He subseijuently became 
associated with his failier, Henry Heames, in the building 
material business, in wliioh he continued until his election in 
November, 1890, to tlie ofiiee of Register of Deeds for Wayne county, 
overcoming his competitor by 2,075 majority. Mr. Heames is 
largely interested in gold and silver mines in New Mexico and in his 
father's business as a dealer in building materials. He belongs to 
various clubs in the city and is a director of the Detroit Club; a 
member of the Detroit Athletic, Michigan Yaclit, Lake St. Clair 
Fishing and Shooting, the Ilarmonie and West End Clubs. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity; a Knight Templar; member of 
Scottish Rite and of the Mystic Slirine. Mr. Heames married Miss 
Harriet L., daughter of George F. Moore of tlie well known dry- 
goods house of Edson, Moore & Company., who died in Juh', 1888. 
He has since remained unmarried. 



^VILLIAM MAY. 



HARNESS, SADDLERY, TRUNKS, ETC. 

JOHN NAYLON tt COMl'ANV. 
John Naylon, senior member of the house of John Naylon & 
Comiiany, manufacturers and wliolesale dealers in saddlery and 
saddlery hardware, liorse clothing, robes, etc., 98 and 100 Jeli'erson 
avenue, was born at Rutland, Vermont, December 14, 1850. At tlie 
age of eighteen ho began to acquire the trade of harness maker, 
and at the age of twenty-one removed to Binghamton, New York, 
where he found employment in a wholesale saddlery store in which 
he remained for one year. He next associated liimself with the 
house of Duguid, Wells & Company of Syracuse, New York, in tlie 
same line, representnig it as a traveling salesman in Eastern 
markets .mil in Canada. In 1877 he represented the Norton & Dick- 
inson Manufacturing Company of New York, wholesale saddlery, 
as manager of sales at Detroit. In 1878, tliis (inn having failed, 
Mr. Naylon, together with Duguid, Wells & Company, piuchased 
their effects, resuming tlio business , 'IS John Naylon & Comiiany. 
at 95 Jefferso:.! avenue. In 1881 the present location at 98 and 100 
Jefferson avenue, four stories and basement each, 25x100 feet, was 
occupied as affording better and more commodious facilities and 
accommodations. The firm, as it now exists, is represented by 
Messrs. John Naylon, J. E. Wells, J. F. Roehrig and Tliomas 
Naylon. 5Ir. Naylon has prospered with the years, and has made 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



151 




known far and wule. From his boyhood days Mr. Miles was an 
ardent lover of horses, and his extensive experience peculiarly fitted 
him for his present business as dealer in turf goods. His reputation 
is world-wide, as the inventor of the toe weights, tips, horse boots, 
stallion shields and driving bits, all of which inventions are of such 
practical value and superior quality that his business in these and 
in general turf goods has grown to immense proportions. His 
discoveries and inventions being based upon practical knowledge of 
the horse and its requirements, his establishment has become one of 
vast importance among the industries of Detroit. An important 
specialty is the " stick fast toe weights," and " stick fast interfering 
pads," Die inventions of Mr. Miles, whose business is now located at 
326 Jefferson avenue. Previous to locating here Mr. Miles was 
engaged in business at Fenton, Michigan. The establishment is 
one of the largest of the kind in the United States, dealing 
exclusively in turf goods. The premises occupied are highly com- 
modious; a four story building 30x100 feet having been constructed 
especially for this business, having an elevator for the handling of 
buggies, road carts, robes, etc. The stock carried embraces every 
variety of horse furnishings and turf goods, and the trade extends 



JOHN NAYLON. 

large investments in Detroit real estate. He is enterprising and 
progressive, ami is a fitting exemplar of the large interests he so 
prominently controls. 

E. G. MILES 

Was born at Tpsilanti, Michigan in 1843, and moved to Detroit 
in 1886 where he commenced his present business. By the intro- 
duction of a number of jjatented specialties, wlmse ingenious char- 
acter attracted the attention of horsemen, his name soon became 





UtARTIN JIAIER. 

not only throughout the United States but has reached many- 
foreign lands, and is continually growing and prosperous. 

MARTIN MAIER & COMPANY, 
Manufacturers and jobbers of all styles of trunks, traveling 
bags and tourist goods. Office and factory 113, 115, 117 Twelfth 
street; retail salesroom 103 Woodward avenue. Mr. Martin Maier, 
the founder of this business, was born January 20, 1840, at Baden, 
near Karlsruhe, Germany. After serving three years at his trade 
in the old country, Mr. Maier, in 1861, came to this country and 
traveled to different large cities, working at his trade until 1863, 
when he enlisted in the United States Army, and was with General 
Sherman through the great Sherman's march. In 186.5 Mr. Jlaier 
returned to Detroit, establishing himself in business with very 
limited means, but industry, perseverance and integrity, combined 
with an accurate knowledge of the business, led him to success. In 
1870 he secured the services of Mr. A. M. Duck, a man with practical 
knowledge and many warm friends, who, in 1885, was taken in as 
partner, this co-partnership existing until Mr. Duck's death, which 
occurred the winter of 1800, when Uv. J. Allen Rose, who had been 
associated with the firm four years as confidential assistant, and 



E. G. MILES. 



^52 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE 



who had previously been identified with this hue of business for 
eleven years, was ailniitted to partnership, assuming, in 1891, the 
business management and direction of tlie affairs of tlie house. Mr. 
Rose is eminently capacitated to administer tlio business in all of its 
details, and has acquired a popularity wliich extends throughout 
the United States, anil which largely contributes to the success of 
the establishment. At tlieir factory the firm liave their own lumber 
yard and all necessary appliances, including planing machines, rip 
and circular saws, large dry kiln, together with all the latest im- 
proved machinery for the manufacture of trunks, traveling bags 
and travelers' goods, using a fifty horse-power engine to run the 
machinery. The building is 50.\200 feet, five stories high, including 
basement, lieated throughout by steam, owning their ow n electric 
plant; in all, the largest and best eipiipped truidi and bag factory 
in the United States. Thej- employ about 160 hands throughout the 
year; employ four traveling salesmen to dispose of their goods, 
which, owing to tlieir reputation for style, dvirability and cheapness, 
find a ready market in nearly all the cities and towns froni Boston 
to San Francisco. Their sales for the past year amounted to nearly 
$300,000. 

FURNITURE. 

Detroit is a prominent center for the manufacture of furniture, 
and is especially noted for the manufacture of chairs. One of the 
largest factories of tiiis kind in the city, and probably in this 
country devoted to that enterprise is that of Murphy, Wasey &Com- 
I)any, vi'hose specialties are chairs, wire mattresses and spring beds; 
chairs being the leading feature of this establishment. They are 
exclusive dealers in chairs and wire mattresses, this company 
having an annual output of $400,000. Their daily product averages 
2000 completed chairs. The Wolverine Manufacturing Company 
make centre tables a leading specialty; as does also the firm of 
C. H. Habbercorn & Company. Aertz, Jleyers & Company are 
noted as manufacturers of chamber suites and office desks. Besides 
tlie above and others named in this book, there are a large number 
of general manufacturers and dealers in various lines of household 
furniture, rendering Detroit an important trade center for this class 
of merchandise. 

W. E. BARKER & COMPANY. 

William E. Bauker, senior inemlier of the firm of W. E. 
Barker & Company, dealers in furniture and carpets and manu- 





W ILTJA -M T. SIMPSON. 

factui'ers of upholstered goods at 188 and 100 Woodward avenue, 
was born in Niagara county. New York, Ajiril 34, 1848 and was edu- 
cated at a public school in Lockport, New York. At the age of 
fourteen he became clerk in a grocery store, a position which he 
filled for about three years, when, becoming convinced of the ad- 
vantages of acquiring a' trade, he devoted his attention to the 
upholstering business for two years. Coming to Detroit he became 
associated with the uj^holstery department of the business of Mr. 
P. Blake for one year, after which he established the business of 
manufacturing lounges and spring beds which he has since suc- 
cessfully conducted. He subsequently removed to 212 Woodward 
avenue and to 178 Woodward avenue, where he continued about ten 
years. In 1881 he took possesion of his present quarters at 1S8 and 
190 Wootlward avenue which include a five story and basement 
building 3.5.\100 feet in dimensions and which is stocked with a full 
line of upholstered goods, furniture, carpets, and curtains, tlie fifth 
floor being devoted to upholstering. The firm as now constituted 
consists of Messrs. W. E. and H. B. Barker. Mr. W. E. Barker is 
the treasurer of the Adrain Furniture JIanufacturing Company, one 
of the largest institutions of its kind in Michigan, and of which he 
was one of the principal organizers and among its principal stock- 
holders and directors. He is the president of the Wolverine Manu- 
facturing Company, manufacturers of center tal>les and woven 
wire springs, corner Twelfth street and Grand Trunk Railroad, 
a director of the Centi'al Savings Bank, member of Detroit Lodge, 
No. 2, of Masons. He lives in a splerrdid residence on Adams 
avenue, near the Grand Circus Park. 



ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. 



W. E. BARKER. 



WILLIAM THOMAS SIMPSON, 

The sul)ject of this article, was born at Northport, Ontario, in 
January, ls;!9. He received his eai'ly education at Oshawa, to 
which jilace his parents had removed shortly after his birth. At 
the age of fourteen jears he comnrerrced the battle of life as a 
bridge builder, under the instruction of his father. At the age of 
twenty-one he left his native country and came to Rochester, New 
York, where an opportunity presented iteelf for hi.n to enter a 
business more in accordance with his inclinations, that of the manu- 
facture of artificial limbs; his natural adaptaliility for this business 
soon enabled him to become master of the art. During and after 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



153 



the late war an unprecedented demand sprung up for artificial 
limbs, and Mr. Simpson went South, when he entered the service of 
some of the most prominent artificial limb manufacturers of that 
time, wliere the Union and Confederate soldiers, alike, received the 
benefit of his skill and experience. In 1875 Mr. Simpson accepted 
the superintendency of the artificial limb factory, established in 
Detroit by the late James A. Foster, and it was at his suggestion 
that some of the improvements that have made the Foster limbs 
famous were adopted. In July, 1881, Mr. Foster died, and in 
October, following, Mr. Simpson became sole proprietor and only 
successor in Michigan to Mr. Foster, in the artificial leg branch of 
the business. At this time the Foster limbs had attained a reputa- 
tion second to none, and were represented in fourteen states and 
the Western part of Ontario. Tlie close of the present year finds 
them in thirty-two states, all the provinces of Canada and the 
Northwestern Territory. The Atlantic and Pacific oceans have been 
no barrier to the names of Foster and Simpson, for orders have been 
filled from England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and New Soutli 
Wales. We may also mention tlie fact that Mr. Simpson has a con- 
tract with the United States Government for supplying limbs to her 



length upon these various railroads and their many branches con- 
necting this with otlier cities; brief mention is therefore made of 
the leading lines in their 1 elation to Detroit. There are twelve 
lines of railway uniting this city with the surrounding country and 
thereby aiding its commerce. As far back as 1833 the Detroit and 
St.Joseph Railroad Company was incorporated, and the road built 
in 1836 and sold to the State of Micliigan, and in the year of 1846 it 
was purchased by tlie Michigan Central, and e.xtended to Chicago 
in 1853. The first telegrapli line was put up in the state in 1847, 
sending the first dispatch from this city to Ypsilanti, November 39 
of tliat year, and the following year a line \\as completed to Buffa- 
lo. Detroit received its first telegraphic dispatch from New York on 
tlie first of March 1848. Up to the year of 1S63 there had been five 
railroads constructed whicli enter Detroit. The Jlichigan Southern, 
Michigan Central, Detroit & Port Huron, Detroit & Milwaukee, 
and the Detroit & Toledo. The Jlichigan Central is now a leading 
and important main line from Chicago to Buffalo, a distance of 530 
miles; its various branches are all in excellent condition and over 
13,000 cars are owned by the company. The general offices are at 
the Central depot at tlie foot of Third street in this city. Their 




MICHIGAN CENTRAL DEPOT AND THE RIVER FRONT, DETROIT 



maimed soldiers. A call at 113 and 114 Bates street will find Mr. 
Simpson at his bencli, aproned and at work with his employes, some 
six or eiglit in number, all experts in his particular branch. Mr. 
Simpson is not trammeled with the cares of public office, but is an 
active member of the Masonic Order, up to the thirty-second degree, 
a past-grand officer of the I. O. O. F., a member also of the Royal 
Arcanum, the A. O. U. W., and Order of Chosen Friends. In 
politics and religion he is liberal, his motto being charity to all, 
with malice towards none. 



RAILROADS. 

No city in America lias better railway connections with trade 
centers and the outside world than Detroit; its peculiar location 
forming an important link in the great chain of lakes with which 
this point is nearly surrounded, extending commerce and passenger 
traffic by the most direct route in all directions, and uniting this 
city with the Atlantic and the great Northwest, combiningclose con- 
nection with various branches and subdivisions to all points of the 
compass. The vast amount of important matter in this book does 
not admit of space sufficient to allow its publishers to dwell at 



depot cost about .f250.000 and is a fine and commodk>us building. 
The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern has a main line extending 
from Chicago to Buffalo, and five branches, making a total of 1,340 
miles. Ticket offices and depot at foot of Brush street, and freiglit 
office at the foot of St.Antoine street. The Grand Trunk forming 
the western portion of the G. T. R. , of Canada forms a complete 
extention from the Atlantic coast to Chicago and the west. The 
passenger and general freight office and depot, foot of Brush street. 
The Flint & Pere Marquette, from Slonroe, Michigan, to Luding- 
ton & Manistee, on Lake Michigan, forms an imjiortaut line 
of commerce with Detroit. The headquarters of this road are at 
East Saginaw. Detroit office at Michigan Central depot, foot of 
Third street. The Detroit, Lansing and Northern, has a main line 
from Detroit to Howard City, a distance of 100 miles. Their general 
offices are in the Hammond building. Captain William A. Gavett 
is the local manager. The Wabash line, with general offices at 
St.Louis, Missouri, and passenger and freight dejmts at the foot of 
Twelfth street, Detroit, is of great value and imj)ortance to this 
city, especially in its connection with the grain trade from the 
Soutliwest, whose future possibilities are almost unlimited. The 



154 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee, running from Detroit to 
Grand Haven, a distance of 189 miles, connects tliese points by 
steamers to Milwaukee. Passenger office, corner of Woodwaid and 
Jefferson avenue, with offices and depot at the foot of Brush 
street. Besides the above named roads whose trains run directly 
into Detroit tliere are various other branches radiating from tlie 
main central lines, and thus form important connections with tiiis 
city as acommercial point. The Detroit, Monroe & Toledo railroad 
has its office and depot at tlie foot of Brush .street. The road is 
owned and controlled l)y the Lake Shore and Micliigan Soutliern 
Company. Tlie Detroit Jlacinac & JIaniuette, wliose general otiices 
are in Marfpiette, was incorporated in 1879, and has an office at No. 
1, Newberry building. Detroit & Bay (^'ity Railroad, from Detroit 
to Bay City, 109 miles, is owned by the M. C. R. R. Company. The 
Canadian Pacific Railway lias its city ticket office at No. 11, Fort 
street west. The passenger station is at the foot of Twelftli street. 
The new imion passenger depot, now in process of construction, on 
Fort street west, extending from Tliiiil lo Sixtli streets, promises to 
be a magnificent structure, and wlien completed will be an orna- 
ment to tliat portion of tlie city, as well as one of the most 
commodious depots in this ))art of the country. The ('incinn:di. 
Hamilton & Dayton road has its Detroit office at ITi") Jelfersoii 
avenue. The Lake Erie, Essex & Detroit River Railway, connecting 
Detroit with Kingsville, has an office at tlie foot of Canijiau avenue. 
The Detroit, Bay City & Alpena Railroad has offices at lOO GriswoUl 
street. The road extends from this city to Alger, over the M. C. R. 
R., and from Alger lo Aljieiia, a distance of 105 miles. All of tlie.se 
roads are in a most piospt-roua condition, enjoy an enviable poim- 
larity, and are indispensibly identified with tlie general welfare ami 
commercial prosperity of Ditroit. No otlier city in the union of its 
size offers better accommodations or facilities for transportation of 
passengers or traffic than do the railway lines centering here, 
and radiating to all parts of the United States. 



SHIPPING. 

Detroit has been noted since llic days i>l' Admiral Oliver New- 
berry for its great shipping facilities; iis harbor formed by tlie river 
bearing its name, is tlie largest and safest on the lakes, and affords 
the most perfect accommodation for the tourist, or for trades and 
commerce; it being a favorite channel for the shipping of freiglit, 
as well as for an immense passenger traffic. Among the many fine 





JOHN p. CLARK. 



JESSE H. FAHWliLL. 

vessels afloat Upon its waters may be named those of the Detroit 
and Cleveland Steam Navigation Company, their City of Detroit 
and the City of Cleveland are two as magnificent steamers as are to 
be found in Northern waters. Grummond's Slacinac line, "Ward's 
Detroit & Lake Superior line, the Lake Superior Transit Company, 
and numerous of lesser magnitude, including the Ferry Company, 
make up a compliment of sailing craft worthj' of any country. The 
Detroit Dry Dock Company have the largest ship building institu- 
tion on the lakes. In the year 1S90 their output amounted to no 
less than .f3,500,000. 

JOHN PERSON CLARK, 

Who died Sejjtember 3, ISSS, was one of the important pro- 
moters of shipping and tran.sportation in Detroit in the early days 
of its history. He was born near Catskill, on the Hudson, April 10, 
1808, and at the age of ten years he came to Jlichigan. In the year 
uf IH'X he made his first venture in tlie fish business. 51r. Clark 
was a large vessel owner; up to the time of his death he had built 
and owned five passenger steamboats. He constructed the dry 
dock at the foot of Clark avenue, and one half of the present AVest 
End Park was donated by liim to the city, wliicli h.as good reason to 
remember liim with respect and honor. 

JESSE H. FARWELL. 

This gentleman was born at North Charlestown, Sullivan 
county. New Hamjishire, January 22, 1834. His great grandfather, 
William Farwell, being aiiiong the first settlers of that town. Isaac 
Farwell, a great uncle of this sketch, did valiant service at Bunker 
Hill. A great uncle, Wm. Farwell, was one of the first Universalist 
ministers of Northern New Hampshire, and Mr. Farwell spent the 
first sixteen yeai"S of his life at the family homestead, which 
has been in the family for over one hundred years. In 18.")0, ,at the 
solicitation of an uncle, a then prominent business man of Buffalo, 
New York, he went to the latter place, where he served tliice years 
as an apprentice, and two years with his uncle, E. Farwell. at the 
undertaking Inisiuess, at the end of which time he came to Detroit, 
late in the fall of 18.>"), on the steamer Plymouth Rock. The boat 
landed at Di'troit at 10 p. m., and before eight o'clock ihe next 
morning lie had formed acquaintances in a citj' where he was an 
entire stranger, and the foundation was laid before breakfast 
\vhereby his new acquaintances, Marcus Stevens and Samuel 
Zugg, were to furnish the capital of $3,000 against his undivided 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 



155 



time and attention for five years, )ie taking one-third of the gain, 
the business being that of undertaking, which was continued for 
twelve years and tlien sold to Geo. W. Latimer in 1867, whereupon 
he embarked in the contracting business, under the firm name of 
Smith, Cook & Company, and later as the Ironizing & Paving Com- 
pany. The patent of the Nicolson pavement was controlled by the 
above firm, and extensive operations were carried on in this and 
other principal cities of Michigan. Upon the dissolution of the 
above mentioned company the business was carried on by him in 
connection with E. Robinson from 187.3 to 1885. For eight years, 
commencing in 1872, he was connected with the Clough & Warren 
Organ Company, of this city, and during his connection with it it 
grew from a small begining to its present great proportions, being 
one of the largest manufactories of its kind in the United States. 
During the depression of marine interests, following the panic of 
1873, he commenced investing in vessel property, which has steadily 
increased and is to-day one of the largest vessel owners on the great 
lakes. His eiforts in defeating the various bridge schemes for 
bridging the Detroit River are well known and highly appreciated 
by all in sympathy with the opponents of a bridge. His efforts for 
improving and caring for the great water routes of the Northern 
and Northwestern points are second to none. A few years ago 
when a blockade of St. Clair canal, through the recklessness of 
various navigators coui)led with insufficient authority vested in the 
local management of that important work, he penned the following 
dispatch to President Cleveland: 

Detroit, Mich , September 6, 1888. 
To President Cleveland, Washington, D. C. : 

The lake commerce of the entire Northwest is in hourly danger 
of a permanent blockade at the St. Clair Flats Canal. The power 
intrusted to Gen. Poe is entirely inadequate to enforce the needed 
regulations for the safety of commerce and the protection of govern- 
ment works. Please issue the necessary order to Gen. Poe to use 
the means necessary for the protection of the canal and the safety 
of the commerce i^assing through the same." 

This dispatch was responded to immediately, and at the request 
of Mr. Farwell the United States Revenue Cutter was immediately 
ordered to the scene of danger. General Poe, acting with his usual 
energy in compliance with orders from the President, took charge 
of the canal, and with the aid of dredges and tugs that were sum- 
moned from above and below, the olistsuctions were speedily 
removed, and one of the greatest calamities to the commerce of the 
Northwest was averted. Mr. Farwell was active in the removal of 





DARIUS COLE. 



WALTER 0. ASHLEY. 

the post office site to Fort street and subsequently secured the entire 
block for that purpose. He was president and princijial owner of 
tlie Dominion Organ & Piano Company of Bowmanville, Ontario, 
the largest of its kind in the Dominion; also president of tlie Farwell 
Transportation Company, controling a large number of the largest 
steamers and sail vessels on tlie lakes. A democrat in politics and 
unitarian in religion he was for many years trustee of the First 
Unitarian society in Detroit, and president of the Michigan Uni- 
tarian association. Mr. Farwell V7as married April 2.'), 18.59, to Miss 
Emma J. Godfrey, only daughter of the late Jeremiah Godfrey of 
Detroit. Three children are the result of this marriage, two sons 
and one daughter, the elder son, George Farwell, being an exten- 
sive contractor of nearly three miles of tlie Croton aqueduct, and 
is at present prosecuting contracts with the United States Govern- 
ment for the new canal at Sault Ste Marie. The second son, Jerry G., 
is secretary and treasurer of the Dominion Organ & Piano company 
of Bowmanville. The early start which each of the sons h.avemade 
and the extent and boldness of their oi^erations gives promise that 
they will not fall behind their father's example. Mr. Farwell was 
at one time j^rincipal owner and first presi(Jent of the Evening 
Journal company of this city, and to his care and firmness that 
paper is largely' indebted for its existence. One prouiinent, note- 
worthy feature in Mr. FarwelTs life labor, and one whicli probably 
affords most pleasing memoi-ies to himself and m.any friends, is the 
fact of his donating tliat elegant structure in his native town, 
known as the Farwell School building whose corner stone was laid 
July 4, 1889. Built of ruble stone secured in the neighborhood, and 
finished in natural wood in tlie most perfect manner, this ijuilding 
stands as a lasting monument to the memory of its donor. While 
other men have built academies, colleges and public halls as their 
endowment, Mr. Farwell did more, he built for the children of his 
native town the foundation of their educational system in which 
they may grow to call him blessed, and which structure will be 
pointed out with pride and credit given to its liberal donor in year* 
to come when Mr. Farweil's name is "written down as one who 
loved his fellow men." 

CAPTAIN DARIUS COLE 

Was born in Wales, Erie county. New York, in 1818. his early 
life was spent on a farm and in mercantile jiursuits. In ISriO he 
became interested in the steamboat business. The first steamboat 



156 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



to run between B^y City and Saginaw, the James VValcott, was 
put on tliat route by Cajitain Cole, wlio also started tlie first line 
between Detroit and Saginaw with the steamer Columbia, in 1835. 
The Huron, the Forest Queen, and tlie Northerner, were also run 
over his line, the latter boat making one trip was wrecked by the 
Forest Queen, the vessel and cargo being a total loss, and the second 
engineer of the Northerner was drowned in the collision. Since 
1874 {'aptain Cole has continued his lake shore line, his present 
boats being the iron propeller Arundel and tlie Metropolis. The 
steamer Darius Cole, built in 1885, is his masterpiece, and has few, 
if any, superiors; this boat is now on the Port Huron route.. Captain 
Cole is cue of the oldest vessel men along the lakes and is widely 
known and universally respected. 

ASHLEY & DUSTIN, 

Steam vessel owners and transportation agents, foot of First 
street, operate the following boats: The new and magnificent steel 
steamer "Frank E. Kirby," the fastest on the lakes plying between 
Detroit, Put-in-Bay and Sandusky; the steamer "Riverside," be- 
tween Detroit, Wyandotte, Crosse Isle, Amherstburg and Sugar 
Island; the steamer "Gazelle," between Traverse City and Macki- 
nac, and are agents for Crunnnond's Mackinac line of passenger and 
freight boats. 

Walter ]). ,\shlky, seriior member of the firm i>f Ashley & 
Dustin, was born at Clareniont, New Hampsliire, October 20, 1835, 
where he was educated at the public sclio</ls and at tlie Claremont 
Academy. He served as a clerk in a general store in his native 
town until the age of twenty-one, when he came to Michigan, 
securing a position with W. H. B. Dovvling & Company, at Port 
Huron, which he retained for one year. For several succeeding 
seasons he served as clerk on river boats between Port Huron and 
Detroit, and Detroit and Sandusky. In 1867 he, together with the 
late John P. Clark, built the steamer "Jay Cooke," for the Detroit, 
Put-in-Bay and Sandusky route, of which he became manager. He 
has since lieen associated with the management of boats plying 
between Detroit & Sandusky. He is the managing owner of the 
"Frank E. Kirl)y." Mr. E. A. Austin, his nephew and partner in 
the business, is a native of Detroit, and a prominent representative 
of marine affairs. Mrs. Ashley is a daughter of the late John P. 
Clark. Tlio family residence is 1 14 Adelaide street. 
JOHN W. WESTCOTT. 

Captain John W. Westcott, marine reporter and general freight 







nm 



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JOHN W. WESTCOTT. 



EDOAR A. DAVIS. 

and vessel agent, was born December 19, 1848, at Warnersvi'.le on 
Lime Island in the Sault Ste Marie river, Chippewa county, Mich- 
igan. His family were the only white people on tlie island where 
they went to reside in 1847. He was educated in the public schools 
at Marine City, to wliicli place his parents removed in 1850. When 
13 years old he became waiter and porter on the steamer "Forest 
Queen" positions which he held for three years, subsequently serv- 
ing as steward of the "May Queen, and was afterward watchman, 
mate and wheelman. In 1871-2 he commanded the propeller 
"Admiral Rock" running to lake Superior, and in 1S73 the jiropeller 
" Phil Sheridan." In the fall of 1873 he established bis ])resent 
business of marine reporter and general vessel agent at the ))ort of 
Detroit, which consists in reporting the jiassage of vessels at this 
port for owners, agents and the press. He was the originator of 
this business on the great lakes, and has demonstrateil in its man- 
agement the most superior abilities. He owns an interest in several 
boats and throughout his career has been successful and prosperous. 
He was married in 1879 and has iwo sons and two daughters. He 
has a splendid residence on Trumbull avenue where he lives sur- 
rounded by captivating influences and the accessories of an enjoy- 
able existence. 

DAVIS BOAT & OAR COMPANY. 
Captain Edgar A. Davis, president and manager of the Davie 
Boat and Oar Company, w-as boi-n at Detroit, September 24, 18fi3. 
He received a limited education in the city public schools, his in- 
nate disposition for boating overcoming any desire for knowledge 
of a literary character. His mind continually ran upon boats and his 
school books were embellished by his rude pencil sketches of boats 
U|)on the fly leaves. Losing his mother in his fourteenth year, his 
long lestrained amliition was given full sway by the consent of his 
father, though grudgingly given, to engage in service as a sailor on 
the lakes. The subseijiient elTorts of his father to induce him to 
return to school were unavailing, and he was thenceforth permitted 
tJ indulge his unconquerable facination for boating. He was by 
nature a veritable boatman and his later career developed the 
attributes which in his youth were so remarkably characteristic. 
As a sailor on a steam vessel on the lakes when but fourteen years 
old, he exhibited abilities which can only belong to those by nature 
adapted to such occuiiaticnis. After two years in this service he 
became associated with his father in the fishing business in wliich 
he continued for eight j-ears, during the latter four years of wliich 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



157 



time he personally conducted and managed his own boats and fish- 
ing operations. He sold out his fishery interests in 1885, and in the 
following year embarked in boat building, having acquired consider- 
able skill in this direction from liis knowledge of the proper 
principles of construction and adaptation of boats in various 
localities. His peculiar proficiency in this regard has been the 
occasion of the most pronounced success in business and a promi- 
nence of national identity. In October, 1890, he changed the title 
of his industry from the Davis Boat and Oar Manufacturing Com- 
pany to the i«-esent incorporated style of the Davis Boat and Oar 
Company, and lias won the mo t meritorious success and distinction. 
He still maintains a very small interest in the fishery business, his 
his attention being energetically and enterprisingly directed to the 
control of affairs of which he is the president and general manager. 
During his experiences upon the great lakes. Captain Davis 
explored every bay and arm, chiefiy in small boats, in the manage- 
ment of which he is exceptionally skillful. He controlled the pleasure 
boats at Belle Isle, the largest boat station in the world, containing 
250 boats. In Captain Davis are remarkably exemplified the char- 
acterest^c 5 and attributes which constitute the successful menin their 
chosen vocations. His life has been largely made up of tlnilling 
experiences tinctured with a romance at once fascinating and 
charming, but in all of his ventures he has preserved the most 
sterling integrity and honorable distinction. He was married in 
July, 188-1 and his home is a true haven of rest and comfort. In 
October, 1890, Captain Davis was elected Commodore of the Detroit 
River Rowing and Yachting Association. 

J. C. GOSS & COMPANY. 
The manufacture of sails, tents and awnings, has grown from 
the days of Shem to the present era to most gigantic proportions. 
Not alone do they belong to the parajjliernalia of war and the equip- 
ments of arenic exhibitions, but are alike usefid and ornamental, 
respectfully to the marine, the tradesman, the Bohemian and the 
citizen, to eacli and all of whom they serve as articles of utility, 
comfort and pleasure. From the mammontli pavillion of Barnum 
or Forei>augh, to the most diminutive specioien of garden tent, 
nothing in that line is out of reach of the capabilities of J. C. Goss 
& Company to manufacture and supply, while their sails whiten 
the craft of many waters near and far, and their awnings shelter a 
mighty host of patrons throughout the land, for their present trade 
extends toward all points of the compass, not pent up in Detroit, but 
reaching most states and territories as well as some foreign shores. 
The senior member of this firm, Mr. J. C. Goss, served his apprentice- 
ship when a boy at the age of thirteen with Mark Whitwell, Gibson 





EDWARD GRACE. 

& Company, Bristol, England, with whom he remained seven years, 
when to better advance his knowledge he took a three years voy- 
age to China, and Japan to gain a practical experience in the use of 
sails on shipboard, coming to this country directly after, and work- 
ing at his trade eight years before engaging in business with a part- 
ner, T. W. Nobb, which partnership lasted five years, going alone 
for the succeeding seven years, when his business showed marked 
improvement. Early recognizing the fact than on account of the 
large steamboats which would effect the large volume of sails being 
manufactured at his establishment, he made a gigantic effort to 
secure the patronage of the circus fraternity which has succeeded 
beyond his expectations. His partner, Mr. Beck, and himself 
having for the past eight years made a special study of this impor- 
tant and growing branch of business. Twenty years ago Mr. Goss 
landed at New York and came on to Detroit, starting sail making 
in a small way, finally merging into that of tlie late Mr. Donaldson, 
who conducted the oldest factory of the kind in the state, first estab- 
lished in 1858. By remarkable industry and energy, Mr. Goss has 
now established a manufactory of gigantic proportions, and finding 
constant and ever growing demands for his productions. Eight 
factory shops or lofts are conveniently situated near the river over 
18, 20, 23 and 24 Woodward avenue, where from seventy to 
eighty hands find steady employmentduringtlie season lasting from 
early spring to autunm. Associated with him in the business, is Mr. 
A. L. Beck, who for many years was an employe, and now an 
active and pushing partner in the firm. They fit out annually 
numerous of the largest steam and saihng vessels on the lakes and 
rivers, and their ornamental awnings adorn and shelter a vast 
number of the finest public and private buildings in tliis and other 
cities tbrou'rhont the land. 



J. C. GOSS. 



A. L. BECK. 



riDELITY STORAGE COMPANY. 
Edward Grace, manager of the Fidelity Storage Company, 
was born in Ireland, March 21, 1846. After receiving a rudimentary 
education in the schools of his native country, he embarked with 
his parents for America, arriving at Quebec in his seventh year. 
Here he was again put to school in the Notre Dame de Levis College 
for five 3-ears, completing his course in 1862. His first entry into 
business was in the capacity of clerk in the oflice of Duncan, Patton 
& Company, lumber dealers, of Quebec, subsequently becoming a 



158 



DETR 



"N I -y 



IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE, 





I'. .1. SCHWAN'KdVSKY'. 

member of the lirni. Willulrawiiig liis interests from Uiis firm in 
1871 he went to Saginaw, Michigan, and re-engaged in the lumber 
trade in connection with an Euglisli firm, shijijjing lumber to the 
Englisli market. He continued at Saginaw until 1883, when he 
removed to Detroit and organized the Micliigan Lubricator Com- 
pany. Subseiiuently disposing of liis interest he founded the Acme 
Lubricator C'omiiany, and acted as its manager until IS.sO. In 188-t 
he establislicd tlie Fidelity Storage Company, located at 27 and 29 
Woodward avenue, in a four-story and basement l>uilding. r)llxl2.5 
feet in dimensions, for storage purposes, and ailequately appointed 
for the extensive nature of the business. This liuildiug affords 3,000 
square feet for storage acconnnodation, in addition to thirty rooms 
for jjrivate storage. Thomas Grace, the father of Edward Grace, 
has an interest in tlie business, but its management is conducted 
exclusively by the son. Tliis venture lias proven highly successful 
and the patrons of the business are of the best families of Detroit. 
Mr. Grace has been exceptionally fortunate in his Detroit institu- 
tions, all of which have proven endnently succ-essfid and prosperous. 
He is tlie possessor of much valualilc real estate in suburlian districts 
and in Clieboygan county, Michigan. He owns a half interest in 
the Long Lake summer resort in Cheboygan county, and consider 
able tinilxr property. He is happily married, has three daughters, 
and rcsid<>s in a handsome home at G98 Cass avenue. 



F. J. SCHWANKOVSKY 
Is the son of a Lutheran minister, and was born in 18.59 in Wis- 
consin. His education was gained in the parish and public schoo's 
of Cundjerland, Maryland, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whither 
the migratory olllce of liis father caused him to be for some time 
located. In 1S70 his family moved to Detroit, Jlicliigan, and j'oung 
Frederick enteriMl the nuisic store of Hernum Bischop, on 
Jefferson avemie. Here tiie boy soon displayed great sagacity and 
fine commercial qualities, and became fully imbued with the idea 
that he was destined to a great career in tlie music business. He 
soon mastered the details of the Bischop concern, and advanced so 
rapidly that in 1879, three years after their becoming connected 
with that business, he had iiurchased it and was i)ushing it to the 
front with an energy that comnuinded the admiration of his neigh- 
bors and customers. In 1880, having just attained his majority, he 
had absorbed into liis establishment the music concern of the 



veteran dealer, Adam Couse, and finding his Jefferson avenue store 

too cramjicd for his growing trade he removed to tlie former 
quarters of Mr. Couse, No. 2;i Monroe avenue, where he remained 
until lie look possession of the new jialatial edifice now occupied by 
him, at the corner of Woodward avenue and John R street. In 
twelve years he has developed his business from extremely diminu- 
tive proportions to a course which turns over yearly a quarter of a 
million dollars. The new temple of music having been built 
expressly for Mr. Schwankovsky's business just referred to, is one 
of the most imposing and admirably equipjied music houses in the 
West. It is built of pressed brick and Ashland brown stone, and is 
six stories and basement, each story containing a floorage of ii,')O0 
square feet. The basement contains the musical instrument depart- 
ment; the first floor consists of offices and salesroom for .sheet 
music and musical lildature; the second floor is elegantly equipped 
as a concert hall: on the third floor are tlie piano show-rooms; on 
tlie fourth pianos, like the Kiiabe, Haines Brothers, Vose & 
Sons, Wheelock and Vocalioa Peloubet Reed Pipe, and Carpenter 
organs, may be seen in profusion. The fifth and sixth floors are 
divided into musical studios and rooms for tuning, repairing, etc. 
A platform at the fifth floor, at the top of the bay window on the 
corner of the building, serves for outdoor concerts. The edifice is 
complete, substantial and handsome, and constitutes a lasting and 
worthy monument to Jlr. Scliwankovsky's entei'prise and brilliant 
success. 



FREDERICK .SANDERS. 
This gentleman is prominently identified with the epicurian 
pleasures of Detroit, and his jialaceof sweets is known far and wi<le, 
and is popular alike with young and old. His pavillion, situated 
at 131 AVoodward avenue, occupying a commanding position for 
trade, where his parlors are hourly thronged with both sexes and 
all ages. Mr. Sanders started business in 1875 without capital, 
beginning in a small way at his present location, which premises 
have been enlarged to commodious proportions. Mr. Sanders 
worked alone at the outset, and by dint of hard labor and perseverance 
his business rapidly grew until he now employs about thirty people. 
His establishment is open the year round excepting on Sundays. 
He was the first to introduce in the L^nited States the now widely 
popular ice cream soda water, which in the summer season is a 
leading specialty with him. He also makes a specialty of fine 




FKHDEHK'K SANDEKS. 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 



'59 



candies, and in the cold months his liot coffee, chocolate, beef tea 
and chicken broth, are luxuries which he has introduced into this 
city. Mr. Sanders devotes his entire attention to the retail trade, 
and old travelers have remarked that he sells more ice cream soda 
than is sold in any other city in the Union, which feature alone has 
secured him a neat fortune. 



J. WESLEY HUGHES. 
Was born in Ontario, Canada, February 9, 1860, vrhere his 
early days were passed, and where he received Ids education. He 
obtained his early knowledge of his profession from the well-known 
photographic artists Parke & Company, who rank as the most 
prominent photographers in Canada, with whom he remained for 
four years; when he moved to Detroit remaining four years in this 
city with Millard; when he began business for himself in Cold water 
Michigan, staying at that place for two years, when he returned to 
Detroit and formed a partnership with A. G. McMichael. Upon 
the dissolution of that firm he engaged in business for himself at 
his present stand 374 Woodword avenue, where at tlie present time 
he has one of the finest locations in the city bis commodious studio 
fronting that important thoroughfare and overlooking Grand 
Circus Park, As intimated elsewhere in this book Mr. Hughes has 
made the majority of the jihotographs from which the engravings 
have been furnished for this publication. Mr. Hughes has been 
remarkably successful in building up one of the largest photo- 
graphic businesses in the city considering the short period he has 
been established here. Having a true artist's ambition in every 
sense of tlie word, he contemplates many improvements in his 
premises and business in tlie nt.afuture. 



THOMAS W. PALMER. 



Hon Thomas W. Palmer, one of Detroit's most widely known 
citizens, was born in Detroit, January 25, 1830, of New England 
parents. On his maternal side he is a direct descendent of Roger 
Williams. At the age of 13 years he entered the St. Clair Aca- 
demy and later attended the University at Ann Arbor, but owing 
to a temporary difBculity with liis eyes, was obliged to discontinue 
his studies in his junior }'ear. In 1848, with five others, he made 
a tour of Spain on foot, visiting the Alhambra in Grenada and 
other points. Returning to his native country he engaged in 
business at Appleton, Wisconsin, conducting a general store, which, 
in 1851 was burned, Mr. Palmer losing everything lie had. He 
then came to Detroit and with his father engaged in insurance and 
real estate business. He was married in 1854 to Miss Lizzie Merrill, 
daughter of the late Charles Merrill. In 1878, Mr. Palmer was 
elected to the Michigan State Senate by a handsome majority on 
the Republican ticket. Two years later he was elected to the 
United States Senate and served for six years to the gi-eat advan- 
tage of Michigan and the country at large. In 1889 he 





J. WESLKY HUGHES. 

was appointed minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to 
tlia Court of Spain. While there be exhibited his love for the 
court of Queen Isabella b}' adopting a son, Murillo Castelar ( Pal- 
mer, ) a child of singular beauty and remarkable brightness, whose 
presence is the sunshine and deliglit of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer. 
Senator Palmer is a man of extensive libei-ality, with a cheerful 
and amiable disi^osition, and is deservidly popular with all who 
come in contact with him. He is closely indentified with the 
business interests of Detroit. Although a man of great business 
connections, the wise and thorough management of which have 
made him several times a millionaire, Senator Palmer is the 
generous patron and lover of all mediums tliat tend to promote and 
improve the liest interests of the masses. His handsome and sub- 
stantial contributions to charitable and pliilanthropic causes are 
numerous and unostentatious, and his own sjilendid home richly 
abounds in all the deliglitful evidences of liis fondness for the best 
manifestations of modern refinement and advancement. He is 
president of tlie World's Columbian Commission, a position he fills 
with signal ability. 



SANDERS PAVILLION. 



MERCHANTS & MANUFACTURERS EXCHANGE 

This institution was organized in 1878, and has grown to be one 
of the most important business associations in the west. The organ- 
ization was completed on the 2Gth day of March, in the year named, 
eighty-two members signing tlie constitution on that day. Since 
that time the exchange has so increased that it now numbers among 
its members a very large proportion of the manufacturers and 
jobbers of Detroit. It has not only kept pace witli the commercial 
growth of the city, but has constantly gone in advance and so pre- 
pared the way that the business of the city miglit reach out to new 
fields by new methods. The objects of the exchange are many. It 
seeks to maintain a high and exact standard of business morality 
among the thousands of dealers who buy in Detroit, and to guard 
against fraud and imposition. By the intercliange of infonnation 
among its members they are informed of any tardiness, irregularity, 
neglect, or positive dislionesty on tlie part of any cuslonier of an 
individual member. As nearly every merchant in tlie whole region 
tributary t<i Detroit has dealings with members of tlie exchange, 
this serves to give an excellent system of reporting, pr()l)ably more 
exact and reliable than is possible for any otiier system to supply. 



i6o 



DETROIT IN HISTORY AND COMMERCE. 





y^- 



THOMAS W, PALMER. 

It is not only toward delinquent debtors that the efforts of the 
exchange is directed. It is quick to recognize good business (juali- 
ties and lionorable business niothods, and to protect and advertise 
the credit of buyers who deal exactly and i)ay promptly. Thus it is 
as valuable lo the reliable retailer as it is to its own members, an<l 
tends on every hand to foster a healthy and liberal trade spirit. 
Uowever import.ant Ibis system may be, it is not the only nor the 
broadest function of the exchange. Nothing of importance to the 
interests of Detroit is foreign to its aims. It endeavors to protect 
its members against unjust discrimination on the part of common 
carriers, and to secure e(iuitable rates from the railroads entering 
the city. It is always interested in securing the construction of 
new railroads, where such are needed and seem likely to favor the 
interests of Detroit merchants. It has also done good service in 
breaking combinations of insurance companies, niadi to exact 
excessive i)reniiuins, and has everywhere arrayed itself against 
every fraud and imposition which attacks the business interests of 
the citj'. Two results have followed from the work of the exchange. 
First, the nuinufacturers and jobbers of the city have found that 
they cannot afford to do without the assistance and jjrotection it 
gives; second, the various agencies which formerly victimized busi- 
ness men as individuals have found that they cannot do so when 
united in so strong a combination. To defy the Merchants and 
Manufacturers Exch.ange of Detroit is to throw down the glove to 
the combined capital, shrewdness and determination of the business 
men of the city, and even a railroad or an insurance pool would 
hesitate to attempt this. The exchange maintains executive, trans- 
portation, arbitration, insurance, manufacturers and real estate 
committees, each consisting of five members. The membership of 
the exchange is gradually increasing. Its officers are: President, 
Alex. A. Boutell, of the Ulobe Tobacco Company; first vice-presi- 
dent, John 8. Gray, of Gray, Toynton & Fox, manufacturing 
confec'tioners; second vice-president, Harvey C. Clark, of Far- 
rand Williams & Clark, AVhoIesale Durggists; treasurer, Frederick 
Woolfenden, of the Dime Savings Bank; actuaiy, S. S. Seefred. 
Executive committee: William S. Crane, of the Vail-Crane Branch, 
United States Baking Company; Horace Hitchcock, of H. Hitch- 
cock, Son & t^mipanj', wholesale woolens and tailor's trimmings; 
William Reid, wholesale glass merchant; John B. Howarth, of 
Pingree & Smith, manufacturers of shoes; John N. Bagley, of John 



J. Bagley & Company, tobacco manufacturers. The president, vice- 
presidents, and treasurer are ex-officio members of this committee. 
The hanilsome ofU<-eR of the exchange are on the sixth flix>r of the 
Moflat Ijlock, corner of tiriswolil and Fort streets, and are always 
open for meetings of members and other business men. 

Silas S. Seefued, the actuary of the Merchants and Manufac- 
turers Exchange, feels, when he looks about him and realizes how 
many well known citizens of Detroit there are who have lived here 
not more than ten or twenty years, that he is entitled lo the distinc- 
tion of being called one of the old citizens of this old city. Fifty 
years ago his grandfather, Daniel Seefred, swore allegiance to the 
United States before the now venerable John Winder, then clerk of 
the United States Court, renouncing all allegiance to foreign prince 
or potentate, especially the Grand Duke of Baden. At or alwut 
that time Daniel Seefred was in business at tlie corner of Jeflferson 
avenue and Cass street. For nearly sixty years the father 
of the subject of our sketch, John C. Seefred, has been an 
almost continuous resident of Detroit, and is now living in 
quiet retirement in a cosy semi-country home, on Vinwo<jd 
avenue. His eldest son, Silas S., was born in this city in 1819, and 
attended the Barstow Union School until ISO-l when with a desire 
to strike out and see the world he took "French leave" of home 
awl entered the regular army, serving at Forts Schuyler, Lafayette 
and Richmond, in New York habor, until the close of the war, 
when his regiment, the Seventh Infanty, was sent to Florida, where 
he performed duty as adjutant's clerk at post and regimental 
headquarters at Jacksonville and St. Augustine. At the end of 
three years of army life he went to school at Poughkeej)sie, New 
York. After graduating there he returned home and entered the 
well known Merc:iiitile Agency of R. (1. Dun & Company, where 
ho remained until 1S79, serving as chief clerk for seven years of 
that time. He then acceiiled a situation in the office of the Mer- 
chants & IMamifacturers Exchange and was soon after jirouioted to 
the position which he has filled for the past eleven years. His 
acquaintance with the leading busine.s8 men of the city is neces- 
sarily very extensive, but he hopes to e.\tend it still further as others 
become better acquainted with the work and aims of the Exchange, 
and, seeing its usefulness and importance, place their names upon 
its roll of membership. 






SILAS S. SEEKOKU. 



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